Maarten Spanjer Dead at 73: Dutch TV Legend Behind Taxi and Spetters Dies
The Netherlands is saying goodbye to one of its most beloved television faces. Maarten Spanjer, the dry-witted actor, writer and legendary host of the TV show Taxi , died today, October 17, 2026, at the age of 73. Multiple Dutch news outlets reported his passing on Saturday, and tributes from fellow celebrities, colleagues and fans began pouring in within hours. Spanjer was one of those rare figures who felt like he belonged to everyone. He never chased celebrity status — in fact, he once said he never felt like a real BN'er at all — yet for decades he was a constant, comforting presence on Dutch television and in Dutch cinemas. Today, the country is mourning him as exactly that: a national treasure. A Sad Day for Dutch Television News of Spanjer's death spread quickly through the Dutch media on Saturday. De Telegraaf reported the passing and shared heartfelt reactions from the world of Dutch entertainment, including the simple but touching tribute from one fellow celebrity...