DutchActressModelJapanologist

Stefanie Joosten

Dutch model, singer, and actress Stefanie Joosten is internationally recognized for her video game work, including Metal Gear Solid V, and her roles in film, TV, and music.

1. Overview

Stefanie Joosten (Stefanie Joostenˈsteːfaːni ˈjoːstə(n)Dutch; ステファニー・ヨーステンSutefanī YōsutenJapanese), born on August 5, 1988, is a Dutch model, singer, and actress who has gained significant international recognition, particularly for her work in video games. Her career journey reflects a versatile engagement across various artistic fields, establishing her as a multifaceted professional in the entertainment industry. She first rose to widespread prominence for her pivotal role in the 2015 video game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, where she provided the motion capture, voice, and likeness for the iconic character Quiet. Since beginning her professional activities in Japan in 2011, Joosten has expanded her contributions to include numerous acting roles in films and television, a burgeoning music career, and extensive modeling work, showcasing her diverse talents and ability to bridge cultural and artistic spheres.

Stefanie Joosten in 2019
Stefanie Joosten in 2019

2. Early Life and Education

Stefanie Joosten's early life and educational pursuits laid the foundation for her later international career, marked by a strong interest in Japanese culture.

2.1. Childhood and Education in the Netherlands

Stefanie Joosten was born on August 5, 1988, in Roermond, a city in the province of Limburg, located in the southeastern Netherlands. She attended the Bisschoppelijk College Broekhin in Roermond, where she participated in a bilingual curriculum that included both Dutch and English.

2.2. Study of Japanese Language and Culture

Driven by a deep-seated fascination with otaku culture from a young age, Joosten decided to pursue her academic interests by studying Japanese language and culture at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Her dedication to understanding Japanese culture was a significant factor in her future career path.

2.3. Exchange Program in Japan

As part of her studies, Joosten participated in an exchange program in Kyoto, Japan, from 2008 to 2009, where she attended Doshisha University for a year. This immersive experience solidified her resolve to relocate to Tokyo and pursue a professional career in Japan after completing her degree in the Netherlands.

3. Career Highlights and Achievements

Stefanie Joosten's career is marked by several significant accomplishments across video games, film, television, and music, alongside her foundational work in modeling.

3.1. Breakthrough Role: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Joosten achieved significant international recognition through her involvement in the critically acclaimed 2015 video game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

3.1.1. Role as Quiet

Her breakthrough came when she was contacted by a mysterious agent seeking models for an undisclosed video game project. During the auditions, Joosten recognized the renowned video game developer Hideo Kojima, which gave her an indication of the project's significance. She was ultimately selected to provide the motion capture, voice (in both English and Japanese), and physical likeness for the character Quiet, a central female sniper in the game. This role profoundly impacted her international career, making her a recognizable figure among gamers worldwide.

3.1.2. Contribution to Soundtrack

Beyond her visual and performance contributions, Joosten also lent her vocal talents to the game's original soundtrack. She performed the song "Quiet's Theme," which became closely associated with her character.

3.2. Acting Career

Joosten has expanded her professional activities into various acting projects across different media, including video games, feature films, short films, television series, and stage plays.

3.2.1. Video Game Appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
2015Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainQuietVoice (English and Japanese), facial capture and motion capture
2016ICEYICEYVoice (English and Japanese)
2018Muse DashNarratorVoice
2019SpacelordsSöömaVoice (English), facial capture and motion capture
2019Last LabyrinthKatiaVoice
2022SoulsticeBriar, LuteVoice
2023Wanted: DeadVivienne NiemantsverdrietVoice, facial capture

3.2.2. Film Appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
2017Hostage X
Alessandra and the FitterAlessandra
2019Transit 17Snow
TBAImplosion: ZERO_DAYFaye GarronVoice

3.2.3. Short Film Appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
2016Tom's Treasure HuntVeraShort film
2016The Actor and The ModelTV show hostessShort film
2019The Road of RepentanceLenoraShort film

3.2.4. Television Appearances

YearTitleRoleNotes
2014Tonari no Seki-kun: The Master of Killing TimeHerself - PerformerOpening Theme (Dutch version)
2014The Premium "Gekitsui 3-nin no Pilot"Japanese television drama on NHK BS Premium
2015The Game AwardsHerself - Performer
2015-2016The StefanDonna ShowHerselfWeb series
2017TokyayoHerselfEpisode: "Faberyayo has a date with the beautiful Stefanie in the geek-mecca"
2023Vivienne's Late Night ChowVivienne NiemantsverdrietWeb series tied to the Wanted: Dead game

3.2.5. Stage Appearances

In 2013, Joosten performed in the stage play Bansan (晩餐), where she was cast in the role of Natalie.

3.3. Music Career

Stefanie Joosten has also ventured into the music industry, releasing her debut album and collaborating with notable artists.

3.3.1. Debut Album and Collaborations

In 2022, Joosten released her debut album, Singing to the Sky. The album was executive produced by the legendary Giorgio Moroder and featured songs co-written by Moroder, Pete Bellotte, and Tom Whitlock. Notably, this marked the first time in 40 years that Moroder had put his name on a record by an emerging artist. The album also featured guest appearances by musicians Matt Sorum and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. While critics praised the songs co-written by Moroder, other material on the album was described as more generic.

3.3.2. Subsequent Music Projects

In 2023, Stefanie Joosten announced a new album titled Intermission. The first single from this project, "Tryouts for the Human Race," is a collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, covering a song he co-wrote with Ron Mael and Russell Mael of Sparks for their first collaboration in 1979. Additionally, in 2014, she contributed to the CD "Meiwaku Spectacle Dutch Language Time" from the Tonari no Seki-kun series.

4. Modeling Career

Stefanie Joosten began her professional modeling career in Japan in 2011, initially coming into contact with agencies specifically seeking Western models. Her full-scale entertainment activities in Japan commenced in 2012. She stands at 66 in (167 cm) tall, with measurements of 85 cm bust, 62 cm waist, and 86 cm hips, and a shoe size of 9.4 in (24 cm).

4.1. Magazine and Catalog Work

Throughout her early career, Joosten appeared in various magazines and product catalogs. These include AneCan for a special "AneCan×Gucci" feature (2012, Shogakukan), the Melrose Claire Catalog (2012), and Zexy Resort Mook (2012, Recruit Holdings). She also modeled for the Alba Rosa Catalog & WEB (2012), the Beams Gift Catalog (2012), the Watabe Wedding Catalog (2014), and for Hotel New Grand (2014).

4.2. Web-based Modeling

Joosten's modeling work also extends to online platforms. She appeared in a WEB movie for Lamdash (2012, Panasonic) and served as a WEB catalog model for Tommy Hilfiger from 2013 to 2014.

Beyond her print and web catalog work, Joosten has been featured in several television commercials. These include advertisements for Suntory Foods's C.C. Lemon (2012), Lion's Sofran Aroma Rich (2013), Miki Holdings's Megane no Mikuni (2014), and Japan McDonald's's FIFA World Cup Brazil campaign (2014).

5. Personal Life

Outside of her professional endeavors, Stefanie Joosten maintains a variety of personal interests and hobbies.

5.1. Hobbies and Interests

Joosten's publicly known hobbies include karaoke, playing video games, and engaging in physical activities such as visiting the gym for yoga, running, and dance. She also enjoys watching films. Her favorite foods include traditional Japanese dishes like nabe, okonomiyaki, and oden, as well as fruits and chocolate.