Dutch actor Maarten Heijmans has won the International Emmy Award for best actor for his role as actor and singer Ramses Shaffy in the television series Ramses.

Heijmans, 31, earlier won the top Dutch acting award, the Gouden Kalf, for his portrayal of the singer and the series itself won the Prix Europa for the best mini-series of the year.

Shaffy was born near Paris in 1933. His Egyptian diplomat father and Polish noble mother separated before he was born and he was adopted by a Dutch family at a young age.

His most famous songs include Zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder (Sing, fight, cry, pray, laugh, work and admire), We zullen doorgaan (We will go on), and Laat me (Leave me be). He frequently collaborated with Dutch singer Liesbeth List.