Sonja Barend has passed away at the age of 86. The television legend passed away yesterday in the presence of her family, reports BnnVara. “The queen of the talk show is no longer there,” it sounds.
BnnVara is deeply saddened by the death of Sonja Barend, who was on TV in October when she presented the Sonja Barend Award in Pauw & De Wit. “With her, the Netherlands loses one of the greatest television personalities the country has ever known, and BNNVARA loses an icon who has helped shape the face and conscience of the broadcaster.”
Moral compass
Sonja set the standard, according to the broadcaster. “With her unparalleled sharpness, commitment and moral compass, she gave direction to the public debate. At a time when television was still being formed, she was the medium; with conversations that mattered, with a tone that was respectful and fearless, and with an impeccable sense of justice.”
“Generations of viewers trusted her. She gave a voice to people who were not naturally heard and at the same time held a mirror up to power. She did this with an obvious authority that never became distant, and with a humanity that was always palpable, but never sentimental.”
Talk show queen
Celebrities react sadly. “The queen of the talk show is no longer there. A woman who immersed herself in her guests and the topics. An icon of Dutch television with whom generations grew up. Rest in peace Sonja and lots of strength for all relatives, friends and colleagues. 🙏,” says Caroline van der Plas on X.
And Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgöz: “There are few living rooms in our country where Sonja Barend was not a regular guest. A professional with sharp questions and at the same time a warm commitment. A grande dame of TV who we will not forget.”
Intensely grateful
To reflect on her life and work, Pauw & De Wit will make an extra broadcast about Sonja tonight at 9 p.m., presented by Tim de Wit and Roos Moggré. In addition, the documentary ‘Sonja Barend – Questions without answers’ by Coen Verbraak from 2012 will be repeated at 11:30 PM.
“We are intensely grateful to Sonja for everything she has meant. For the broadcaster, for the Netherlands and for everyone who felt seen and heard in her conversations. Her voice will be missed, her influence remains,” said BnnVara.
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Sonja’s last TV appearance:
