Famke Janssen, known for her iconic role in GoldenEye, is making a return to her Dutch roots with a role in the Netflix series Amsterdam Empire. Janssen, who has lived outside the Netherlands for 35 years, stars as Betty Jonkers, a singer whose fame peaked in the nineties and is dealing with a tumultuous relationship with her underworld boss partner.

Janssen’s character in Amsterdam Empire is described as a woman who fights back, aligning with many of the roles she has portrayed throughout her career. She compares the series to a darker version of “War of the Roses,” highlighting the intense conflict between the characters.

Her international career began with GoldenEye where Janssen’s portrayal of the villainous Xenia Onatopp remains legendary, influencing her future roles in action and thriller films. She credits director Martin Campbell and her acting coach Harold Guskin for allowing her creative freedom in shaping the character.

Following GoldenEye, Janssen secured roles in films like The Faculty and Deep Rising. However, her breakthrough came with the role of Jean Grey in the X-Men series, which became a significant part of her career. She later starred in the Taken films alongside Liam Neeson, further solidifying her presence in action cinema.

Janssen also reflects on the challenges of aging in Hollywood and the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. She criticizes the scrutiny and judgment women face, noting that her age is consistently mentioned in articles and interviews.

Despite her global success, Janssen has maintained a connection to the Netherlands. Her sisters are also involved in the film industry. While a potential collaboration on a Dutch film never materialized, she cherishes her relationships with her family. Filming Amsterdam Empire has allowed her to reconnect with her Dutch roots, spending eight months in Amsterdam and visiting her family more frequently.

Although she enjoyed her time in Amsterdam, Janssen doesn’t plan to return to live in the Netherlands permanently. She finds Amsterdam too small after living in cities like New York and London. While uncertain about her long-term future, she dreams of living in a beautiful village in Italy.