The Dutch television quiz show De Slimste Mens is preparing to give late comedian and writer Paulien Cornelisse another special tribute as its current season reaches its finale on Friday, November 6, 2026. 🕊️
Presenter Herman van der Zandt will open the final episode with a special remembrance of Cornelisse, followed by a compilation of some of her most memorable, funny and touching remarks from the programme.
The tribute comes just weeks after Cornelisse died on September 30, aged 50, following complications from cancer. Her death shocked colleagues, friends and viewers who had become familiar with her sharp humour and distinctive personality on the popular Dutch television show.
📺 Why Paulien Cornelisse Is Still Appearing on Television
One of the most unusual aspects of this season is that audiences have continued seeing Cornelisse on their screens despite her passing.
The reason is that the episodes were recorded several months before her death. Cornelisse had already completed her appearances as the programme's jury chair when news of her death emerged.
Following discussions with her family, broadcaster KRO-NCRV decided to continue airing the season as originally planned.
The decision also allowed viewers to enjoy her final recorded television appearances, including the witty observations and humorous reactions that made her a memorable part of the show. ❤️
When the programme returned following her death, Van der Zandt opened the broadcast with an emotional message, describing Cornelisse as cheerful, friendly, intelligent and someone who gave contestants and colleagues a comfortable and welcoming feeling.
He also admitted that she would be deeply missed by everyone associated with the programme.
💔 Claudia de Breij's Emotional Experience Watching Her Friend
The tribute has taken on another emotional dimension because of comedian Claudia de Breij, who was not only a close friend of Cornelisse but also one of this season's contestants.
De Breij successfully made it through seven episodes, earning the title of the day's smartest contestant four times and securing a place in the season finale.
Speaking about watching the recorded episodes, she admitted that seeing her late friend on television has been emotionally difficult.
She explained that although she was delighted to see Cornelisse performing so brilliantly as a jury member, there were moments when the reality of her death became difficult to accept.
For de Breij, the experience has been both painful and comforting. She has also expressed a desire to celebrate her friend's final television performances rather than allow the remaining episodes to focus entirely on the sadness of her absence.
🌹 A Final Celebration of a Remarkable Talent
Paulien Cornelisse was more than a television personality. She was a respected Dutch writer, comedian and performer, widely recognised for her observations about language, everyday life and human behaviour.
Her distinctive approach to comedy and storytelling helped establish her as a familiar figure in Dutch entertainment.
She joined De Slimste Mens as its sole jury member in 2025, succeeding Maarten van Rossem, and quickly became an important part of the programme's identity alongside presenter Herman van der Zandt.
Friday's finale will therefore be more than the conclusion of another television season. It will also provide an opportunity for colleagues and viewers to celebrate the contribution of someone whose presence made the programme special.
As the show prepares to say another goodbye, audiences will get one more chance to remember Paulien Cornelisse through the humour, intelligence and memorable moments she left behind. 🕊️❤️