Maarten Spanjer, actor and writer, dies aged 73 after cancer

Actor and writer Maarten Spanjer has died aged 73 after cancer, prompting tributes from broadcaster KRO-NCRV, filmmaker Steven de Jong and culture minister Rianne Letschert. [1]

Spanjer was known in part for the television programme *Taxi*. KRO-NCRV said his programmes had meant a great deal to people, praising his ability to get them talking and make television that moved viewers.

De Jong, who directed Spanjer in the 2003 film *De schippers van de Kameleon*, said he was “greatly shocked” by the news. He remembered Spanjer as funny and natural. Letschert wrote on X that Spanjer had brought laughter through his humour and timing, and that his creative spirit and sharp observations would be missed. [1]