Johnny Kraaijkamp sr.

Jan Hendrik (John) Kraaijkamp Sr. (19 April 1925 – 17 July 2011) was a Dutch Golden Calf and Louis d'Or winning actor, comedian and singer. For years, he formed a comedy team with Rijk de Gooyer. One of The Netherlands' most popular comedians, praised for his perfect timing, he also played in more serious plays, including the title role in King Lear and in the Academy Award-winning WWII drama film The Assault (1986). From 1993 until 2003, he starred in the successful sitcom "Het Zonnetje in Huis" along his son John Kraaijkamp Jr.

Early life Kraaijkamp was one of four children of a greengrocer and a housecleaner. He grew up in the Kinkerbuurt in Amsterdam. After an accident, his father was declared unfit for work and Johnny had to find work at a young age. At the age of 14, he already performed as a boy soprano in the famous Amsterdam theatre Carré.

Personal life Kraaijkamp was married three times and had four children. With Riemada Elisabeth Panhuysen, he had two children, son John (1954) and daughter Ellissigne. With his second wife, Tilly van Duijkeren, he had a son, Michiel. With Mai Lun Lee he had a daughter, Sanne. John, Ellissigne and Sanne became actors.

Kraaijkamp spent his final years in the Rosa Spier Huis in Laren, in the room where famous Dutch comic book artist Marten Toonder used to live. His 85th birthday was celebrated there. Among the attendants were important Dutch comedians and television personalities including André van Duin, Rijk de Gooyer and Mies Bouwman.

Death Kraaijkamp died on 17 July 2011 in the Rosa Spier Huis in the presence of his children, his grand and great-grandchildren, his ex-wife and friends. He was 86 years old. The next day, several TV stations paid tribute to the comedian with TV specials. On Friday 22 July, the Dutch public bid him farewell in the recently renewed DeLaMar Theater. The next day, he was cremated.

Awards

Throughout his life, Kraaijkamp received several acting awards, both for the stage, TV and film. In 1984, Kraaijkamp received the Louis d'Or for his role as Jacques in the play Jacques de fatalist en zijn meester. In 1986, he received the Golden Calf for Best Actor for his roles in the films The Assault and De Wisselwachter. The next year, in 1987, he was awarded with the Johan Kaartprijs for his contribution to stage comedy and entertainment. In 1998, he received a Gouden Beeld, a television award, for Best Actor in a Comedy for his role in Het Zonnetje in Huis. On 21 October 2007 he received the Blijvend Applaus Prijs for his exceptional contribution to Dutch theater, television and film.