Petra Laseur, a beloved figure in Dutch theatre, passed away at the age of 85 on April 13, 2025, after a prolonged illness. The news of her death was confirmed by her son, Andreas Oerlemans, to the ANP on Sunday evening. The actress died peacefully in her home in Amsterdam during the night from Thursday to Friday, following her decision to forgo treatment for her serious illness, which she had disclosed in a podcast last year.
Born in 1939, Laseur was the daughter of renowned actress Mary Dresselhuys and director Cees Laseur. Growing up in an artistic household, she faced the challenges of being the child of famous parents. In 2016, she recounted how she was not allowed to participate in drama at the Montessori Lyceum in Amsterdam, stating, "Because my parents were both in theatre, I wasn’t allowed to join." However, her mother later encouraged her to pursue acting by allowing her to leave school at 16 to attend the Toneelschool, where she graduated at 19 in 1959.
Throughout her illustrious career, Laseur became known for her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. She performed with major theatre companies in the Netherlands, including De Nederlandse Comedie, Globe, Toneelgroep Amsterdam, and Het Nationale Toneel. Her remarkable stage presence and clear diction earned her widespread acclaim. In 1969, she received the Colombina award for her role in Oom Wanja, and she went on to win two prestigious Theo d’Or awards for her performances in Hedda Gabler in 1973 and Groot en Klein in 1981.
In addition to her stage work, Laseur was a familiar face on television and in films. She appeared in the series Dossier Verhulst in 1987 and the film Familie in 2001. Her portrayal of Queen Wilhelmina in the musical Soldaat van Oranje in 2011 showcased her versatility and appeal across different mediums.
Despite her success, Laseur remained down-to-earth and often reflected on the changes in the acting profession. She expressed a certain nostalgia for the theatre of her youth, commenting humorously about younger actors using technology such as microphones. Her love for the stage was evident until her later years, with her final significant role being in the musical comedy We Want More, which fittingly concluded in the Mary Dresselhuys-zaal of Theater DeLaMar, named after her mother.
In a poignant moment shared by her son Andreas, she had expressed desires to witness significant family events, including her grandson's wedding and her youngest son’s 60th birthday. "We had a wonderful year with her," he remarked, highlighting the family's cherished time together before her passing.
As a tribute to her legacy, Laseur's family has arranged for the public to pay their respects on April 18, 2025, at Theater DeLaMar. Fans and admirers will have the opportunity to say their final goodbyes in the same theatre space that celebrated her mother’s legacy.
Petra Laseur's contributions to Dutch theatre and her memorable performances will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on audiences and aspiring actors alike. Her career, marked by dedication and passion, serves as an inspiration to many in the arts community.
