nuAug 28, 2026, 06:32

Maarten Spanjer has cancer: 'Not afraid to die at all'

Actor Maarten Spanjer has publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis but maintains a composed, philosophical outlook on his health. He will document his experiences with the illness and his ongoing treatment in a new weekly column for the newspaper De Telegraaf.

Dutch actor Maarten Spanjer, widely known for his roles in the cult film Spetters and television programs such as Taxi and Voetbal '80, has announced that he is suffering from cancer. Despite his diagnosis, the actor remains remarkably calm and philosophical about his health situation, noting that he does not fear death because he has always viewed life as a strange joke to be enjoyed. He continues to undergo medical treatment and observation, though he acknowledges experiencing lower energy levels, which he attributes to his age.

To share his personal journey with the public, Spanjer will begin writing a weekly column for the newspaper De Telegraaf. The project originally began as an idea for a book, but shifted into a regular journalistic series detailing his experiences. He reports feeling relatively well as he moves forward with his treatment and writing commitments.

Culture Health Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Yvon Jaspers 'temporarily out of action' due to hearing and balance issues

Presenter Yvon Jaspers has announced a temporary hiatus from her work due to persistent hearing and balance issues that require surgery. She was forced to cancel a television appearance meant to promote her new documentary about the potential connection between pesticides and Parkinson's disease.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

Museum of the Mind in Haarlem raises 11,500 euros for mental health

The Museum van de Geest in Haarlem raised 11,500 euros during its Walk & Talk charity event to support youth mental health awareness. The proceeds will fund educational projects aimed at helping young people address issues such as stress, depression, and burnout.