Paul Haenen quits role of Bert in Sesame Street after 50 years: 'Ernie, I miss you'
Paul Haenen has retired from voicing Bert and Grover in the Dutch Sesame Street after fifty years, citing the death of his long-time colleague and voice of Ernie, Wim Schippers, as the primary reason. The eighty-year-old actor stated that he will step aside to allow a new generation to take over the roles while remaining involved with the production in an advisory capacity.
Paul Haenen, the eighty-year-old actor and comedian, has announced his retirement from the iconic roles of Bert and Grover in the Dutch version of Sesame Street. Having voiced the characters for fifty years, Haenen decided to step down following the death of his long-time colleague Wim Schippers, who provided the voice for Ernie until his passing in June at the age of 83. Haenen shared the news during his television program, Margreet Dolman Begrijpt 'T, expressing that he finds it difficult to continue without his original screen partner.
Haenen explained that a new generation of performers will soon take over the roles, and while he wants to offer new talent a chance, he remains emotionally connected to the characters he portrayed for five decades. During his announcement, the veteran performer held a Bert puppet and movingly addressed Ernie, admitting that he misses him deeply. Despite his departure from the voice acting roles, Haenen has arranged to stay involved with the production studio in a consulting capacity.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
