Remembering Joke Bruijs

Joke Bruijs, the Dutch actress, singer, and cabaret artist, passed away on 16 September 2025, at the age of 73. She had fought Parkinson's disease for years.

As a fan, I knew her from her role as Nel Kooijman in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon. I also enjoyed her shows with André van Duin. One day, I met her at the hotel where I worked. She was kind and pleasant. That chat made her real to me.

Bruijs started young. At fifteen, she won a talent contest. She sang with bands and appeared on TV. She married Gerard Cox in 1977. They starred together in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon, a hit for fifteen years. Later, she worked with André van Duin in theatre shows. She acted in soaps like Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden. Her warm voice and sharp wit lit up stages and screens.

She leaves her partner, Frits Landesbergen, with whom she shared life since 2004. She also leaves her daughter, Leontien Cox, from her marriage to Gerard Cox. Their grief is heavy, so soon after Gerard's death.

Joke's laugh in Toen was geluk nog heel gewoon still brings smiles. Her songs and roles shaped Dutch entertainment.

Thank you, Joke, for the joy and warmth. Rest in peace.