Herman Brusselmans Embraces Family Life, Ditches Rebellious Image

Herman Brusselmans, the 67-year-old Belgian author known for his rebellious persona, is undergoing a noticeable transformation since the birth of his son, Roman. Once defined by his contrarian lifestyle, Brusselmans is now embracing experiences previously unimaginable for him, including visits to theme parks and family outings.

A Shift in Lifestyle

The arrival of Roman has prompted a significant change in Brusselmans’ habits. He has been spotted at Plopsaland, a popular theme park in Belgium, with his son and girlfriend, Lena – a scenario previously unthinkable for the author. This shift marks a departure from the image of Brusselmans as a solitary and unconventional figure. P-Magazine details this change, noting he’s also been seen at Bumba, a children’s show, and playgrounds.

Back Behind the Wheel After 35 Years

Brusselmans has even overcome a long-standing aversion to driving, purchasing an Alfa Romeo after 35 years without a car. Showbizz24 reports that his previous reluctance stemmed from struggles with alcohol and panic attacks. The require to transport Roman, along with a dog, proved a catalyst for this change, making a car more practical than public transport.

Embracing Fatherhood

Brusselmans openly discussed the importance of his role as a father when he learned Lena was pregnant in 2023. Blijned.nl highlights his acknowledgement of the limited time he may have with his son, fueling his desire to cherish their time together. He even paused his work from January to mid-2024 to focus on family life.

First Public Photos with Son

In September 2025, Brusselmans shared the first public photos of himself with Roman, taken before a Bumba show. Blijned.nl notes this was a significant step, as Brusselmans had previously been reserved about sharing his personal life, especially after his Instagram account was removed in 2024 following a controversial column.

Balancing New Life with Old Habits

Despite the changes, Brusselmans still maintains some of his old routines. While he now owns a car, he often relies on taxis to transport Roman to school in Ghent due to the city’s traffic congestion. He also utilizes an electric bicycle with a child seat and a cargo bike for local trips.