Barend (1940) worked at VARA from the 1970s to 2005 and became one of the best-known female presenters in the Netherlands.
‘Queen of the talk show’
She presented numerous talk shows that often attracted millions of viewers and in which she spoke to opinion leaders from society, politics and the church.
Her programs earned her the nickname ‘queen of the talk show’. Barend worked with editor-in-chief Ellen Blazer for many years.
‘She set the standard’
“Sonja set the standard,” says BNNVARA. “With her unparalleled sharpness, commitment and moral compass, she gave direction to the public debate.
At a time when television was still being formed, it 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.”
In addition to her talk shows, Barend also collaborated on other programs for VARA, such as Children for Children, which she presented in 1988.
‘Big black hole in my existence’
Barend was born on February 29, 1940 in Amsterdam. Her Jewish roots played an important role in her life. She did not know her father: he was deported by the Germans in 1942 and murdered in Auschwitz. “That is a big black hole in my existence; I think about it every day,” she said.
The TV presenter hated seeing herself on television. However, later in her life she looked back on her career with satisfaction. “I always thought: get the most out of it, Barend. I succeeded quite well. I worked hard and used the best of myself.”
“For later: have a good night’s sleep”
In 2006, after her last television broadcast, she received the award of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau from Mayor Job Cohen of Amsterdam for her services to Dutch television. Paul de Leeuw asked her to say again those winged words with which she always ended her program: “For a good night’s sleep and a healthy wake-up tomorrow.”
Since 2009, the Sonja Barend Award has been presented annually for the best television interview of the year. In 2017, Barend published an autobiographical book entitled You will never see me again, about her murdered father and the consequences it had for her life.
A play was made about her book in 2025, but just before the premiere she distanced herself from the play because it was said to be too much about her TV career.
Additional broadcasts
Tonight at 9 p.m. BNNVARA will broadcast an extra broadcast by Pauw & De Wit about the life and legacy of Barend. The presentation is in the hands of Tim de Wit and Roos Moggré. The documentary Sonja Barend – Questions without answers by Coen Verbraak will be broadcast at 11:30 PM. The 2012 documentary will also later appear on NPO Start.
The Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision will open a condolence register for Barend from Wednesday. When asked, a spokesperson told ANP that the media institute will be closed on Monday and Tuesday next week.
A memorial corner will be set up in the hall of the media institute in Hilversum. There the public can sign a book and can also see fragments of the well-known talk show presenter.