Dutch actor, presenter and musician IJf Blokker, best known for his iconic character Barend Servet, has died at the age of 95 in his hometown of Den Helder. The news was reported by local broadcaster Noordkop247, according to the NOS.
Born on September 2, 1930, Blokker experienced a formative event early in life – the large bombardment of Den Helder in June 1940, an experience he never forgot.
Blokker rose to prominence in the 1970s as Barend Servet, a character featured in the groundbreaking VPRO programs De Fred Haché Reveal, Barend is weer bezig, and Van Oekels Discohoek. These shows, created by Wim T. Schippers and others, were known for their provocative humor, including risqué content and unconventional comedy.
Servet’s memorable catchphrases, such as “Pollens” and “Als het ware,” along with “Ik word een peu nerveu” and “Verdomd interessant, maar gaat u verder…” became instantly recognizable to Dutch audiences.
In De Fred Haché Show, Servet served as the assistant to Fred Haché (played by Harry Touw), later taking the lead in Barend is weer bezig before stepping back into a supporting role in Van Oekels Discohoek.
A Controversial Interview
One particular broadcast, featuring Servet interviewing a spruitjes-cleaning Queen Juliana, sparked controversy, leading to parliamentary questions and a reprimand for the VPRO.
Blokker also achieved musical success as Barend Servet, with the song Waar moet dat heen, hoe zal dat gaan reaching the Top 40 in 1973.
Before his comedic fame, Blokker began his career as a drummer, performing with various orchestras in Germany and the Sleeswijk Revue. He also taught drumming to Jan Keizer of the band BZN and played in the orchestra of television presenter Ted de Braak.
Beyond Barend Servet, Blokker appeared in series like Zeg ‘ns AAA, SamSam, Pompy de Robodoll, Seth and Fiona, and the film Filmpje!. He was also known as a beer connoisseur and comic strip artist.
In the 1980s, he played the role of Mr. Smit in the children’s series Mevrouw Ten Kate. He also hosted the nature program Puur natuur on the VPRO and provided voice-over work for the AVRO game show Prijs je rijk.
He also participated in theater productions such as De Jantjes, Hadjememaar, In Holland Staat Een Huis, and the award-winning Het Koekoeksnest.
His last public performance was in 2008, when he sang Waar moet dat heen, hoe zal dat gaan at the presentation of the final two DVD boxes featuring the work of Wim T. Schippers.
Later Years
Blokker remained involved with local broadcaster Noordkop247 in Den Helder, opening their studio three times, most recently in July 2019. The station reported he remained a regular visitor for conversation and a drink.
“In recent months, IJf’s health deteriorated. He felt weaker, forgot more and more, and wasn’t as sharp, although his humor never disappeared. He fell asleep in the presence of his family on Sunday and passed away on Tuesday morning. We will miss him.”
