nuOct 18, 2026, 20:07

Maarten Spanjer married in the hospital five days before his death

Actor and writer Maarten Spanjer married his partner in a hospital five days before passing away from cancer. The intimate bedside ceremony allowed Spanjer to fulfill his final wish of being a married man.

Actor and writer Maarten Spanjer married his partner in a hospital just five days before his death. Knowing his time was limited, Spanjer arranged for an emergency wedding to fulfill his wish of entering his final rest as a married man. The ceremony was intimate and held at his bedside, featuring standard legal vows that included the commitment to remain together until death, a promise Spanjer felt prepared to make during his final days.

Two days after the wedding, Spanjer's condition deteriorated, and he was transferred to a hospice where he eventually passed away. Diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer in 2025, he leaves behind a diverse legacy that began with his breakthrough role in the 1980 cult film Spetters. Beyond his acting career, Spanjer was widely recognized for his significant contributions as a writer and television producer.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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