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Death of Paulien Cornelisse leads to changes in De Slimste Mens broadcast

Comedian and author Paulien Cornelisse has passed away at the age of fifty due to cancer, affecting broadcasts of De Slimste Mens.

2 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Death of Paulien Cornelisse leads to changes in De Slimste Mens broadcast — Photo: Rob Kemp, zelfgemaakt in een fotostudio · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Paulien Cornelisse, a well-known comedian and author, has passed away at the age of fifty due to cancer. Her death was announced on Wednesday, leading to various programs and performances being adjusted.

The Wednesday evening broadcast of De Slimste Mens was canceled out of respect. KRO-NCRV announced this and stated that the subsequent broadcast on Thursday evening would resume the season with a tribute to Cornelisse.

Host Herman van der Zandt will take a moment during the Thursday evening broadcast to reflect on the passing of the jury member, who had been a part of the quiz since 2025. It is set to be an emotional episode in which memories of Cornelisse will be shared.

Archive photo: Death of Paulien Cornelisse leads to changes in De Slimste Mens broadcast — Archive photoPhoto: Arne Hendriks · Flickr · BY

According to sources, Cornelisse had already recorded the episodes for the current season several months ago. The first episode after her death attracted over a million viewers when the tribute to her was aired.

Prior to Thursday's broadcast, Herman van der Zandt expressed the shock and concern felt by the team and viewers. He indicated that he stands in solidarity with Cornelisse's family and friends.

This is not the first time that Cornelisse had to cancel performances due to health reasons, as a theater performance at DeLaMar had previously been canceled because of her illness.

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