Astrid Holleeder has candidly admitted her shortcomings as a commentator on the now-defunct RTL Tonight. “I am not someone like Kees van der Spek or Saskia Belleman,” she confessed, embracing her role as the sister of notorious criminal Willem Holleeder.
After discussing her complicated family background several times, Astrid’s stint at RTL Tonight officially began in October. She was tasked with commenting on crime-related topics, but her debut was, unfortunately, quite painful. Viewers quickly realized that she struggled to articulate her thoughts, leading many to label her a “one-trick pony.”
Astrid Owns Up to Her Limitations
While Astrid may be good at discussing her brother Willem Holleeder and writing books about him, she acknowledges that television is not her forte. In an interview with De Telegraaf, she reflected on her experience with RTL Tonight, stating, “I really enjoyed doing it, but we must conclude that I am not a super talent as a commentator. I am not someone who chases news all day.”
She compared herself to well-known figures like Saskia Belleman and Kees van der Spek, who embody their craft more authentically. “They breathe their profession,” she said, highlighting her awareness of her limitations.
A Personal Take on Coverage
Astrid’s perspective on news coverage is notably casual. She made it clear that she prefers to leave some stories untouched, remarking, “I am more the kind of person who says: let Bolle Jos stay in Sierra Leone. Those are things nobody wants to hear.”
Her honesty continued as she stated, “I felt I fell short in that role. I don’t say this from a place of insecurity, but because I can see that other people can do it much better. You have to do something well, or you shouldn’t do it at all.”
What’s Next for Astrid?
Looking ahead, Astrid is busy working on yet another book about her brother, maintaining her literary presence despite the challenges she faced on television. This endeavor allows her to share her narrative in a medium she feels more comfortable with.
Despite her candid admission of inadequacies on screen, Astrid Holleeder remains a significant figure, mainly due to her connections and the unique stories that accompany her family’s tumultuous history. Will her next book provide the insight and intrigue her followers expect? Only time will tell.
