In a heartfelt episode of the popular Dutch show 'De Reünie', actor and comedian Arjan Ederveen opened up about the emotional impact of losing his brother at a young age. The show, hosted by Herman van der Zandt, featured Ederveen reuniting with the child cast of the musical Oliver!, in which he participated in 1999. This reunion was particularly poignant for Ederveen, who revealed that his involvement in the musical was a consequence of the tragic and sudden passing of his brother.
During the episode, Ederveen, now 68, spoke candidly about the challenges he faced in coping with his brother's death. "I was so confused because it happened so suddenly," he shared with van der Zandt. The emotional weight of this loss has lingered with him, making it a difficult subject to discuss even decades later.
The reunion with the cast of Oliver! allowed Ederveen to reflect on his experiences during the production. "It was a dream to perform in a real musical, with a large orchestra and many technical people and actors. It was a huge experience for me," he recalled, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something so significant.
As they reminisced, Ederveen was curious to learn about how the child actors from Oliver! had fared in their adult lives. "I was really looking forward to it and was especially curious about how all those kids from Oliver! turned out," he said. "Every night was a celebration to perform, and it was a joy to work with such talented young individuals."
Notably, Ederveen's impressive height of 1.96 meters left a lasting impression on the child cast. He reflected on how his stature was perceived, acknowledging that while he didn't consciously think about it, he could understand why it might be striking to others. "When someone is taller than I am, I think, 'Wow! That's impressive!' But I don’t see my height as an advantage or disadvantage," he explained.
Working in theater, especially in musicals, is no small feat. Ederveen described the demanding schedule of performing up to eight times a week during his time in Oliver!. "At that moment, I didn’t feel the pressure. The more I had to work, the more I enjoyed it," he said. However, he also acknowledged that such a rigorous schedule could be unsustainable in the long run. "I wouldn’t do a musical now because other things in life are more important than just saying 'tralala' on stage," he added.
Despite the challenges of the theater world, Ederveen found joy in his work. He recounted his philosophy of working hard, often taking on multiple projects simultaneously. "I usually was busy with other jobs or writing. I believed that if you work in the evening, you’re not wasting your time watching television. I often had two jobs at the same time because I felt I had more energy left after a performance than I put in," he noted.
Reflecting on his past, Ederveen offered advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of balance. "You worked too hard, and you should have taken more time for yourself. But I was obsessed with my work; I wanted it so badly. That was, of course, because I was hiding things, but those would come to the surface later, and I would need to process them," he shared.
As the episode unfolded, Ederveen's vulnerability resonated with viewers. He openly discussed the blunders he experienced on stage, recalling a particular song that proved challenging to master. "There was a song: 'Pikken wat je pakken kan, pakken wat je pikken kan.' It seems like a simple children's song, but it was really complicated to learn. If I messed up a bit, it didn’t matter because no one noticed. You have to do it with flair and not be ashamed if it goes wrong," he said, showcasing his ability to find humor in the mishaps of performance.
'De Reünie' airs every Wednesday at 21:30 on NPO 1, providing a platform for beloved figures from the past to reconnect and share their stories. Ederveen's episode highlights not only the joys of nostalgia but also the deep-seated emotions that accompany memories of loss and the passage of time. As he continues to navigate his career and personal life, Ederveen remains a beloved figure in Dutch entertainment, known for his authenticity and ability to connect with audiences.
In a world where many face the complexities of grief and the pressures of work, Ederveen's story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing relationships and taking time for oneself amidst the whirlwind of life.
