Biography
Who is Pia Douwes?
Early life and career beginnings
Pia Douwes was born in Amsterdam, North Holland, in the Netherlands. Her birth name is Petronella Irene Allegonda Douwes. She is the grandniece of the famous actress Doris Day. Her father was an arts dealer, and her mother worked as a social worker. Originally, she had a different career path in mind, wanting to become a nurse for children with mental disabilities. However, she discovered her passion for dance while visiting a disco at the age of 19.
Breakthrough in musical theatre
Her professional career started in 1986 with a small role in the German-language production of Little Shop of Horrors in Vienna. By 1987, she secured a more significant part as a swing in the Amsterdam production of Cats, which eventually led to a tour of Russia in 1988 where she played the roles of Grizabella and Jellylorum. In 1991, she appeared as Fantine in the original Amsterdam run of Les Misérables.
International stage and television work
Throughout the following decades, she expanded her repertoire across Europe and beyond. She performed as Rizzo in Grease in Vienna and played Eva Perón in a Dutch touring production of Evita. In 1999, she took on the role of Velma Kelly in the Dutch premiere of Chicago. She later brought this performance to the West End in London and Broadway in 2004, becoming the first Dutch actress to hold a leading role in a Broadway production.
Later stage roles and discography
Her career continued with diverse roles in major productions. She appeared as Norma Desmond in a Dutch tour of Sunset Boulevard and played the Killer Queen in the rock musical We Will Rock You in Utrecht. She also toured the Netherlands portraying Maria Callas in Master Class. Other well-known performances include Mrs. Danvers in the Stuttgart production of Rebecca, Claire Zachanassian in the Vienna production of Der Besuch der alten Dame, and Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the Musical.
Birthday and age
Pia Douwes was born on August 5, 1964, which makes Pia 62 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Pia shares the date with 46 other famous people.
Explore more
