Dutch Talent: Eli Malawau

From Ferry’s gritty streets to supernatural secrets in Hein. The actor you’ll be seeing a lot more of.

In a Dutch entertainment landscape filled with familiar faces and long-running series, a quiet but steady force is making his way onto screens across genres. His name? Eli Malawau actor, and a rising presence in some of the most talked-about Dutch productions of the moment. From his gritty role in Netflix’s Ferry: de serie to youth-centered shows like Hein and Zapp Detective, Malawau is building a career marked by versatility, authenticity, and thoughtful choices.

Born and raised in Rotterdam and of South Moluccan descent, Malawau has camera comfort eventually translated into guest roles in hit Dutch shows such as Mocro Maffia, Doodstil, and Het jaar van Fortuyn, all important steps that quietly laid the foundation for more substantial work.

I know what energy I bring to a role. I understand intensity, silence, and presence.”

And that presence has been noticed.

Entering the Underworld – Ferry: de serie

In 2023, Malawau joined the cast of Ferry: de serie, the Netflix spin-off of the popular crime thriller Undercover, starring Frank Lammers as the infamous Ferry Bouman. Set in the murky criminal underworld of Brabant, the series dives deep into Ferry’s earlier years as he builds his drug empire.

Malawau plays Ambon, a member of Ferry’s inner circle rough around the edges, loyal, and quietly dangerous. It’s a role that holds weight within the storyline and showcases Malawau’s ability to bring depth to supporting characters.

It was also a chance to work alongside seasoned talent like Lammers and step into the kind of gritty, cinematic storytelling that puts Dutch drama on the international streaming map.

Family, Fantasy, and Feeling – Hein (VPRO)

Just a year later, Malawau took a dramatic turn this time into the world of family television. In Hein, a new VPRO/NPO Zapp series released in 2024, the story follows an 11 year old boy who can see ghosts while spending the summer at his grandfather’s graveyard.

Malawau appears as a member of the mysterious “Black Bears” group, in a role that adds intrigue and a touch of supernatural tension to the otherwise heartwarming and whimsical story. The show, featuring big names like Georgina Verbaan and Waldemar Torenstra, was praised for blending childlike curiosity with themes of grief, mystery, and growth.

This role reinforced Malawau’s ability to pivot between genres and age groups a rare strength in an industry that often typecasts.

Detective Work for the Young –Zapp Detective

In 2025, Malawau appeared in an episode of Zapp Detective, NPO’s popular interactive crime-solving series for kids. Playing Sam, he added to the show’s playful energy and helped bring another generation of viewers into his orbit.

Though brief, the role once again highlights Malawau’s desire to keep his range open. He’s not chasing celebrity he’s building credibility.

It’s that attitude paired with a solid string of well-chosen performances that may very well set Eli Malawau apart as one of the most interesting Dutch talents of his generation.