Would Thijs Römer stroll through the Amsterdam streets as if nothing happened as a detective De Cock? The fallen actor has at least one powerful ally in his camp: his own father, Peter Römer.
Thijs Römer was convicted last year for sexing with several minor girls. His career collapsed completely, his reputation is Morsdood, and even his club of friends in Medialand kept silent. The public outrage was great, and every form of comeback seems definitively off the table. Or not?
No way back
For actors who are guilty of cross -border behavior with minors, there is hardly any way back. Not only because of the moral disapproval, but also because broadcasters and producers no longer want to burn their fingers. The risk of image damage and boycots is too great, and even a short cameo would already evoke public anger.
Yet there is a possible escape route. Thijs’ father Peter Römer is not only his loyal defender, but also the man behind the current Baantjer books and involved in the TV revival that is now being worked on.
Door
Peter keeps the door in Weekblad Story Ajar. Peter does not know if his son Thijs gets a role. “He has had his sentence in the meantime. But it is also complicated. I don’t think it is wise that I will interfere with it whether he will get a role. I leave that to others.”
According to Peter, his son is doing well according to circumstances. “It is not in his interest to say how things are going in his life. Everyone has to go through. Thijs too. Only the question is: how? It remains complex.”
Casting
The fact is that Peter plays an important role in the casting. “I certainly want to interfere with the casting, and especially when it comes to De Cock. Just like Appie Baantjer at the time have his heirs, the publisher and I as a writer a veto right when it comes to his character.”
He concludes: “If we think it is not the right person, it will not happen. The image of De Cock must be maintained.”