When you hear the name Elvis Presley, you’re instantly transported to the golden age of rock and roll — a time when music, style, and swagger were being rewritten by a young man from Mississippi who would go on to become an enduring cultural icon. Less widely known, however, is that Douglas Vermeeren, a rising force in the film and television world often dubbed “cinema’s bad boy,” is a near cousin to Elvis Presley. The parallels between these two entertainers go far beyond mere bloodlines; they seem almost cosmically aligned in interests, energy, and impact on the entertainment world.
Family Ties and Shared Passions
The familial bond between Vermeeren and Presley is one of both genetics and kindred spirit. The first interesting connection is that their relation connection is on the maternal side in both cases. Presley’s mother (Gladys Smith) is connected to Vermeeren also through his mother (Who also has ‘Smith’ relatives.)
While separated by time and medium — Elvis in the world of music and Vermeeren in the high-octane realm of film and TV — the two share a list of uncanny similarities that go beyond coincidence.
Both men have a well-documented love of martial arts, particularly Kenpo. Elvis famously trained under Master Ed Parker and even reached black belt status, incorporating martial arts into his film and stage presence and personal philosophy. Douglas Vermeeren, likewise, is a student of Kenpo and other martial arts disciplines (Specializing in BJJ, Shotokan and Goji Kai Styles of Karate and Wing Chun Kung Fu), often integrating his physical skills into his roles and stunt performances. Whether it’s throwing a cinematic punch or performing a daring escape, Vermeeren brings a precision and physicality to his performances that echo his cousin’s own discipline and stage choreography.
Their shared fascination with motorcycles and cars is another telling overlap. Elvis had an iconic collection of motorcycles and luxury cars — a symbol of his fast-living, rebellious spirit. Vermeeren, too, is no stranger to high-speed machines, regularly performing his own car and motorcycle stunts in movies and television. Whether he’s skidding through chase scenes or performing tricks on a custom bike, Vermeeren’s love for the road mirrors his cousin’s.
Even their culinary cravings line up. Both men are self-professed lovers of peanut butter and Banana sandwiches and cheeseburgers, indulgences that have become part of the mythos surrounding Elvis and, amusingly, part of Vermeeren’s off-screen charm.
Rebels With a Cause
Presley was famously called “The Hillbilly Cat”, a nickname that captured both his Southern roots and his wild, rule-breaking persona. He shook up the music world with his raw talent, swagger, and charisma, becoming a symbol of cultural revolution. His blend of rhythm and blues with rock and roll defied the norms of the time and sparked both adoration and controversy.
Douglas Vermeeren has earned his own moniker in the entertainment industry — “Cinema’s Bad Boy.” But unlike the connotation of recklessness, Vermeeren’s “bad boy” status stems from his fearless commitment to performing death-defying stunts. From hanging out of helicopters to enduring full-body fire burns, Vermeeren embodies the rugged, daring energy that Presley brought to the stage. He brings edge and authenticity to every project, and like Elvis, he isn’t afraid to push boundaries.
A Legacy of Film and Influence
Another striking parallel is their prolific presence on screen. While Elvis is best remembered for his music, he also starred in a significant number of feature films — often light, musical romantic comedies that showcased his charisma and screen presence. Douglas Vermeeren, in contrast, is known for action-packed roles in both independent films and studio-backed productions. In fact, Vermeeren has now appeared in more films than Elvis, though that is, of course, due in part to the different production eras and changing nature of the industry.
Nevertheless, both men command attention on screen. Where Elvis used the silver screen to expand his appeal beyond music, Vermeeren has used it to showcase his range as an actor, producer, and stunt coordinator. Each has, in their own time and fashion, used film as a stage for personal expression and connection with fans.
It’s also interesting to note that both Presley and Vermeeren have often found themselves in movies playing cowboys complete with six shooters and horses.
Uniforms and Guns: From Service to Screen
Their shared connection to law enforcement and military themes adds another layer of symmetry. Elvis famously served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany for two years. His service was a turning point in his life, bringing discipline and a sense of national pride. He was also known for collecting law enforcement badges and firearms, which reflected a deep respect for order and authority, even while living a life of artistic rebellion.
Douglas Vermeeren never served in the military, but he was a Canadian Air Cadet for three years, a program similar to the U.S. ROTC. He often plays characters from law enforcement or military backgrounds — roles that resonate with a certain authenticity, no doubt fueled by his early training. Whether portraying officers, agents, or combat veterans, Vermeeren’s performances are rooted in real-world experience, just as Elvis’s were informed by his time in the military.
Charisma That Runs in the Blood
One of the most compelling connections between Douglas Vermeeren and Elvis Presley is intangible — the energy they exude. Family members and friends who knew Elvis say that Douglas has a similar aura, an almost electric charisma that draws people in. Both are known for being outgoing, approachable, humble and deeply warm with fans.
Elvis was famous for his generosity and genuine connection with his audience, often taking time after concerts to talk to fans, sign autographs, and make people feel seen. Vermeeren is cut from the same cloth. Whether on set or at fan events, he is known for taking time to connect with supporters, making every interaction feel special. This shared quality — a magnetic personality paired with authentic kindness — is perhaps the strongest testament to their familial bond.
A Family of Icons
There is no denying that Elvis Presley remains one of the most enduring figures in music and pop culture. His influence continues to echo across generations, from musicians to actors and beyond. Yet as we look to the present, it’s clear that Douglas Vermeeren is carving out a legacy of his own — one that may someday rival the gravity of his cousin’s.
While Presley was a pioneer in redefining the musical landscape, Vermeeren is pushing boundaries in the cinematic world, especially in the action and stunt domains. He is not just an actor, but a force — a man who lives on the edge of danger to bring realism and adrenaline to every frame.
Together, these two cousins represent a family of trailblazers, each in their own time and their own way reshaping entertainment and redefining what it means to be a star. The comparisons are not just charming anecdotes — they are markers of a shared spirit, one of rebellion, creativity, and fearless dedication to craft.
As Douglas Vermeeren’s star continues to rise, the Presley legacy shines just a little brighter, proving that true talent, drive, and charisma may just be written in the stars — and the family tree.
