The Dutch theater and television world has had to say goodbye to a remarkable figure: Piet Kamerman has passed away at the age of 99.
His family announced his passing on Monday. Kamerman died on June 3rd in Utrecht and was cremated last Friday in a private ceremony. With his passing, the Netherlands loses a versatile artist who left an impression both in front of and behind the scenes.
Kamerman was born in Eindhoven and began his impressive career in the cultural sector shortly after World War II. He grew into a trusted name within the Dutch theater landscape. Although he lived primarily in Ireland since the 1960s, he regularly returned to the Netherlands for performances and special projects. His distinctive voice and presence made him a familiar face to generations of viewers.
He gained fame for his roles in TV series such as De Stille Kracht and De Verlossing. His portrayal of the one-eyed priest Pastoor Kips is especially memorable for many television viewers. Within the theater, his interpretation of Krapp in Krapp’s Last Tape, performed with Toneelgroep Studio, remains highly praised in the Dutch theater world.
In addition to acting, Kamerman was a gifted director and playwright. In Ireland, he founded the Gurtycloona Theatre together with his wife. There, he directed a notable production of Waiting for Godot performed by local Irish villagers. His involvement in local communities brought a personal and authentic touch to his work.
Kamerman remained active well into old age. Even at 82, he acted in films, including Loenatik De Moevie (2002) and Wolfsbergen (2007). His stage career ended on an emotional note in 2014 with the monologue Dancing with Suzanne, in which he played an old man reflecting on his life. The play was performed in The Hague and received rave reviews for its genuine tone and vulnerable performance.
In 2020, the documentary Het Late Leven (The Late Life) appeared at the Netherlands Film Festival, offering an intimate portrayal of Kamerman in his final years. Directors Jaap van den Beukel and Pascale Korteweg followed him closely. The documentary shed light not just on his work, but also on his views about aging. In an interview, Kamerman summed up his life philosophy succinctly: “You simply feel younger than you are.”
With his death, Dutch performing arts lose a quiet yet powerful force. Kamerman’s career showed that theater and television are not just for entertainment, but can move, reflect, and connect people. He touched audiences with understated performances and thoughtful words, without ever seeking the spotlight.
His legacy lives on in the hearts of his audience, colleagues, and students. Kamerman’s humility, acuity, and craftsmanship serve as inspiration for all who love the stage. He was not a star in the conventional sense, and for that very reason, he remained relevant for so long.
His life’s work encourages renewed appreciation for the quiet talents who leave their mark deeply rather than loudly. In a time where speed and visibility are often the standard, his life reminds us of the value of patience, dedication, and expertise.
What do you think: should the cultural sector make more room for experienced, older creators? Join the conversation on Facebook and share your thoughts about the lasting importance of artists like Piet Kamerman.
Source: https://faqts.net/bekende-nederlandse-acteur-overleden/