Carel Struycken stands 2.13 meters tall, a physical trait resulting from a diagnosis of acromegaly at age 20. His stature has defined a screen career spanning over four decades, during which he transitioned from incidental castings in Los Angeles to high-profile roles in science fiction, fantasy, and cult horror cinema.
Early Development and Education
Born in The Hague in 1948, Struycken spent part of his childhood in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. By age 15, he was composing Caribbean waltzes. He returned to the Netherlands at 16 to complete his secondary education. His formal training took place at the Netherlands Film Academy, where he focused on the directing program, followed by a year of study at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Entry into Film
His acting career began in 1978 after an accidental encounter on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. A woman spotted him and recruited him for the film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. He subsequently appeared as Fidel in The Witches of Eastwick in 1987. During this period, he also worked on collaborative projects with writer and director Rene Daalder, notably the 1986 punk rock musical Population: 1.
Character Roles in Television and Film
Struycken is recognized for portraying the Giant in the ABC series Twin Peaks from 1990 to 1991, later reprising the role for the 2017 sequel. From 1987 to 1992, he appeared as Mr. Homn in Star Trek: The Next Generation. In the 1990s, he achieved prominence as Lurch in The Addams Family, Addams Family Values, and Addams Family Reunion. Other notable credits include Men in Black, Gerald’s Game, and Doctor Sleep.
Photography and Personal Life
Beyond acting and screenwriting, Struycken maintains a professional interest in photography, specifically spherical panoramas. He manages a photography blog alongside Josh Korwin and hosts a personal website dedicated to his panoramic work. He resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and two children. In January 2025, his residence was lost in the Eaton Fire. His brother, Peter Struycken, is a recipient of the 2012 Heineken Prize for Arts.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, The Hague, Netherlands
- Height: 2.13 m (7 feet)
- Education: Netherlands Film Academy
- Notable Role: Lurch in The Addams Family
- Notable Role: The Giant in Twin Peaks
- Musical Appearances: 'Mexican Radio' (1983) and 'A.D.I.D.A.S.' (1996)
- Residence: Los Angeles area
Questions readers ask
What condition accounts for Carel Struycken's height?
He was diagnosed with acromegaly at the age of 20.
Did Carel Struycken compose music?
Yes, he composed several Caribbean waltzes at age 15 while living in Curaçao.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, composer and photographer
