Carice van Houten is a Dutch actress and singer, best known for her role as Melisandre in the popular television series Game of Thrones. Born on September 31, 1976, in Leiderdorp, Netherlands, she began her acting career in the late 1990s and gained international recognition for her performances in both film and television. In addition to her work on Game of Thrones, van Houten has appeared in various films, including Black Book, which earned her critical acclaim. She has also lent her voice to animated projects and participated in stage productions, showcasing her versatility as an artist.