Today, February 10, 2025, the Netherlands bid farewell to Ron Brandsteder, a beloved and legendary Dutch television presenter, actor, singer, and radio host. His family announced his passing in a private statement on the morning of his death. He was 74 years old.
Brandsteder's career spanned decades, beginning in the 1970s as a radio DJ before he transitioned into television. He became a household name through shows like "Showbizzquiz" (TROS, 1978-1986), "Ron's Honeymoonquiz" (TROS/RTL 4, 1987-1996), "Laat ze maar lachen" (RTL 4, 1998-2007), and "Wie ben ik?" (RTL 4, 1990-2001). His charismatic presence and humour made him one of the most recognizable faces on Dutch television.
In addition to his television career, Brandsteder was a successful singer. He notably collaborated with Bonnie St. Claire on the hit song "Dokter Bernhard," a duet that peaked at #6 on the National Hitparade and #7 on the Dutch Top 40 in 1976. It also reached #11 on the Flemish Ultratop 50 and #12 on the Flemish BRT Top 30 in Belgium.
His contributions also extended to the theatre, where he frequently performed alongside André van Duin, serving as the perfect comedic counterpart.
Later in his career, Brandsteder focused on radio, hosting "Ron wacht op de nacht" on NPO Radio 5 until his unexpected withdrawal in late 2023, which led to speculation about his declining health.
Ron Brandsteder is survived by his second wife, Yvonne Baggen, and their two sons, Robert and media personality Rick. The latter followed in his father’s footsteps as a television presenter.
Rick, Ron & Robert Brandsteder
His legacy in Dutch entertainment remains unmatched, and his influence will be remembered for years to come.
His passing has left a significant void in the Dutch media landscape, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a television great. As tributes pour in, Ron Brandsteder’s impact on entertainment will continue to be celebrated.
Ron's career is closely associated with the Luv' ladies.
Following the success of Luv's breakthrough hit "U.O.Me" in the Netherlands and Flanders, TROS TV channel/Nederland 2 aired a special titled "In een groen, groen discoland" on April 18th, 1978, featuring Ron and Luv'. The music show also included other artists from Hans van Hemert's roster who performed Dutch children's songs on a disco beat. During the filming of this TV show, Ron became romantically involved with Patty Brard.
Patty married Ron on July 31st, 1979, at the Vinkeveen town hall. Their wedding was front-page news in both the Low Countries and Germany. Patty wore a white wedding dress designed by Chinese-Dutch fashion designer Fong Leng, and the renowned hairdresser Frank Vink styled her bridal hair.
Article about Patty & Ron's wedding in the German "Freizeit-Magazin" in August 1979
However, Patty and Ron's marriage didn't last long; by June 1980, the two Dutch celebrities had begun the divorce process.
The Luv' singers, and later José Hoebee after the group's first break-up in 1981, appeared several times on Ron's iconic show "Showbizzquiz" on TROS.
Ron Brandsteder: the star of Showbizzquiz
In late 1983, José and Ron decided to record a cover of Leonard Cohen's song "So Long, Marianne" as a duet. José's husband, the respected music professional Will Hoebee, supervised the recording sessions, and Eurovision Song Contest conductor Harry van Hoof was the arranger. The song was included on Ron's album "Niet Alleen" and later featured on José's 2005 compilation "Alle Hits & Unieke Bonustracks."
Ron & José recording "So Long, Marianne" in late 1983 - photo edited by Marco Rens
Ron and José’s duet single entered the two main Dutch charts, the Top 40 and the National Hitparade, on February 18th, 1984. It spent seven weeks on the Dutch Top 40 (from February 18th to March 31st, 1984) and peaked at #11 for one week on March 10th, 1984. The single also charted for eight weeks on the Nationale Hitparade (from February 18th to April 7th, 1984), reaching #6 for one week on March 10th, 1984.
The record also made an impact in Flanders (Belgium), spending three weeks on the BRT Top 30 (from March 24th to April 7th, 1984) and peaking at #30 on March 31st, 1984. It entered the Flemish Ultratop chart on March 17th, 1984, briefly dropped out, and then re-entered at #20 (its peak position), staying on this chart until April 7th, 1984.
In late 1984, Will Hoebee and Joost Timp translated the French musical "AbbaCaDaBra" (based on ABBA songs rewritten for children) into Dutch. The iconic Swedish band inspired this project. Among the performers were José (as Snow White), Marga Scheide (as Carabosse), Bonnie St. Claire (as Sleeping Beauty), Ron Brandsteder (as Werewolf), and Benny Neyman (as Prince). The AbbaCaDaBra LP was released by Indisc in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the song "Wij Zijn Vrij" (taken from the album) issued as a single.
TROS/Nederland 2 broadcast the AbbaCaDaBra musical on March 16th, 1985, directed by Rien van Wijk and produced by Jef Nassenstein. Willem Duijn, who participated in the album's recording and played the role of Aladdin, did not appear on TV and was replaced by Joost Timp.
The cast of ABBAcadabra (including Marga Scheide, José Hoebee, Bonnie St. Claire, Ron Brandsteder, and Benny Neyman)
In the autumn of 1985, RCA Records put out the album "Herinnering" by Bonnie St. Claire and José Hoebee, which paid tribute to ABBA's music. The album featured the single "Waarom" (a cover of ABBA's "Move On" featuring Ron), which was released in October 1985. Ron wrote the Dutch lyrics for "Waarom," which addressed the hatred between human beings. He also contributed as a narrator for this recording. The single entered the Dutch National Hitparade on December 14th, 1985, ultimately reaching #35 on December 21st, 1985, where it stayed for six weeks.
In April 2011, Ron and José (with her Luv' colleagues) took part in a music show, "Typisch 80", at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. They surprised the audience when they performed their iconic duet more than 27 years after its release.
Ron & José singing "So Long, Marianne" during the "Typisch 80" show (2011)
Patty reacted emotionally to the passing of her ex-husband on Instagram. "What an incredibly sad message this morning," she wrote alongside an old photo of them together. "Unfortunately, Ron passed away far too soon. I wish his family, friends, and loved ones much strength and 'remember the good times.' Love, Patty."
May Ron rest in peace. We will never forget him.
Source: De Telegraaf, AD, Mediacourant, Luv' weblog archives, Patty Brard on Instagram....
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