Born in the Netherlands, Erland relocated to the United States as a young child in the late 1950s, where he would go on to lead a life filled with diverse pursuits. Growing up in Orange, New Jersey; Ridgefield, Connecticut; and Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, Erland's formative years were marked by a strong sense of adventure and a thirst for knowledge.
As he entered his teenage years, Erland's academic prowess and extracurricular talents led him to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he made a lasting impression as a member of the wrestling team and in student theatre productions. Furthermore, he demonstrated his dedication to education by taking on the role of teaching assistant while still an undergraduate.
Upon graduating from MIT, Erland made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, where he immersed himself in the world of computers and pursued his passion for amateur wrestling. His impressive skills on the mat earned him a spot as the heavyweight alternate at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and made him a strong contender for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, although ultimately the US team did not attend.
However, Erland's life took an unexpected turn when a casting director for The Wanderers (1979) stumbled upon him at the New York Athletic Club, leading to his casting as the character "Terror." This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of Erland's foray into the world of film.
Balancing his burgeoning acting career with his work in computers, Erland went on to start his own company, while also pursuing his passion for opera. Initially a bass-baritone, he honed his craft at the renowned Amato Opera in New York, eventually transitioning to the Heldenbaritone repertoire.
Throughout his life, Erland was blessed with a loving family, including his son, wife, mother (who predeceased him),brother Philip van Lidth de Jeude (also an opera singer and film actor),and sister Philine (an opera singer, photographer, and artist in her own right).
