Tributes are pouring in for Michiel Geijskes, one of the directors of the beloved Dutch soap opera Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden (GTST), who sadly passed away on Monday after battling cancer. He was 60 years old.
Geijskes, who had served as a director for GTST since 1999, lost his fight against the disease, which has left the tightly-knit cast and crew of the show reeling. Careful to acknowledge his immense contributions, fellow actor and friend Cas Jansen shared his grief on Instagram with the touching message, "Dag lieve Michiel" (Goodbye dear Michiel), accompanied by a photo of the two together.
Jansen, known for his role as Julian Verduyn, worked closely with Michiel for many years and highlighted the shock felt within the GTST family, particularly as this mourning follows closely on the heels of another loss. Just months ago, the casting director Hans Kemna also passed away, deepening the heartbreak for the show's team.
Reflecting on his relationship with Geijskes, Jansen described his late colleague as not just a director but as someone who had become part of the GTST family—someone who poured his heart and soul not just onto the filming set but also genuinely cared for the people around him.
Other cast members also took to social media to share their condolences. Ferri Somogyi, who plays Rik, responded to Jansen's post with three heart emojis, symbolizing love and appreciation for Geijskes, demonstrating the warmth and affection felt among the cast. Tamara Brinkman, known for her character Saskia, expressed her sorrow using a crying emoji, summing up the collective grief experienced by the team.
On January 15, just days before his passing, Michiel shared candidly on Facebook about his health struggles when he posted a photo of himself receiving treatment, humorously captioned, "The malignant cancer monster is visiting. Long live chemo." His good-natured spirit was evident even as he faced such trying circumstances, demonstrating the resilience he exhibited throughout his illness.
One of his final works was directing the 7000th episode of GTST, which left its marks on viewers and cast alike. Jansen played the lead role, depicting Julian's dramatic struggle for life after suffering a heart attack. The episode was not only pivotal for the show but also served as powerful storytelling, reflecting Michiel's talent and vision as a director.
Those who knew Michiel have described him as passionate about his work, deeply committed to each project he undertook. His ability to connect with the cast members, to weave their talents with gripping narratives, and to craft compelling television history has been highlighted by friends and colleagues alike.
The loss of Michiel Geijskes resonates not only within the immediate circle of GTST but also with the legions of fans who have followed the show over the decades. Michiel's legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by the stories he helped tell, the characters he brought to life, and the warm camaraderie he nurtured within the team.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with many reflecting on how his direction has influenced both the storytelling and the emotional depth seen throughout the series. The grieving process will no doubt be difficult for Jansen and his colleagues, who shared laughter and tears, all under Geijskes' guidance.
While they grieve, many friends and colleagues can take solace knowing they were part of Michiel’s creative world, one enriched by unforgettable moments, heartfelt story arcs, and the bonds formed over years of collaboration. The heartfelt messages from Cas Jansen and others do more than mourn the loss; they celebrate the life and work of Michiel Geijskes, whose impact on GTST will remain indelible.