Walter De Donder, known to generations as Kabouter Plop and Meneer de Burgemeester from the beloved Belgian children’s program “Samson & Gert,” recalled witnessing the declining health of his former colleague, Ann Petersen, during an interview with RTL Boulevard. Petersen, a central figure in the show’s success, continued working “until she actually couldn’t anymore,” De Donder stated.
De Donder described Petersen as a “incredibly warm figure” and a consummate professional. “Ann Petersen was not only a craftswoman, but as well a top actress,” he said. He initially felt intimidated by her talent, viewing her as an “unreachable lady” due to her significant contributions to Belgian television history. “She played a major role in the history of Belgian television,” De Donder emphasized.
Despite the initial awe, De Donder and Petersen developed a strong working relationship. He praised her dedication, noting she always knew her lines perfectly. However, over time, De Donder observed a noticeable deterioration in Petersen’s physical condition. “I really felt for her,” he said, witnessing her struggle with declining health. Despite this, Petersen remained committed to her work, pushing herself to continue performing for as long as possible.
Petersen passed away in 2003, a loss De Donder described as unexpected despite her known health issues. He was unable to attend the funeral due to scheduling commitments with “Samson & Gert.” As a tribute, the cast and crew honored Petersen during a performance, lowering a large photograph of her during the final applause. De Donder described the moment as deeply moving, stating, “It was a more beautiful tribute we could not have given, because that’s how she was a little bit there with us.”
Reflecting on his time with Petersen, De Donder expressed lasting admiration and gratitude. “She was a fantastic woman and I learned a lot from her,” he said. The interview, part of RTL Boulevard’s “Golden Oldies” segment, offered a poignant look back at a cherished colleague and a significant figure in Belgian entertainment.