Freek de Jonge

(Westernieland, 1944) became widely known in the seventies with the cabaret duo Neerlands Hoop (Dutch hope), that he formed together with Bram Vermeulen. After the breaking up of Neerlands Hoop in 1979, Freek de Jonge continued with a solo career. His first solo project, in 1980, was the theatre show De Komiek (The comedian). Over the years Freek de Jonge has grown to become one of the most famous cabaret artists in the Netherlands. Alongside his theatre shows De Jonge writes books and two films have been made under his name. In 1993 he played the jester in the play King Lear by Het Nationale Toneel (National Theatre). In 1997 he had a national hit with his song Leven na de Dood (Life after death). Freek de Jonge's most recent show is De Vergrijzing (The ageing), 2004. His most recent novel Door de knieën (Submitting) was published in the same year.