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Bart Frederikus de Graaff (Dutch pronunciation: [bɑrt ˌfreːdəˈrikʏz də ˈɣraːf];[1] 16 April 1967 – 25 May 2002) was a Dutch television presenter, comedian and creator, as well as the founder and chairman of the public broadcasting network BNN.
Bart de Graaff | |
|---|---|
 Bart de Graaff in 1991 | |
| Born | Bart Frederikus de Graaff 16 April 1967 |
| Died | 25 May 2002 (aged 35) |
| Occupation(s) | Presenter, comedian |
Early life edit
Bart Frederikus de Graaff was born on 16 April 1967 in Haarlem in the Netherlands.
Because of a car accident in his youth in 1976, De Graaff suffered from serious kidney failure for most of his life. This also caused a growth disorder which caused de Graaff to appear much younger than his actual age. In his career as a television presenter he often used his childlike appearance to his advantage, for instance, when he hosted the children's TV show B.O.O.S..
Career edit
In 1997, he founded a public broadcasting network, Bart's News Network (BNN). After his death, it was renamed to Bart's Neverending Network. Targeted at a youthful audience, the network quickly became known for its sometimes provocative programming. A television show De Grote Donorshow (The Big Donor Show) by BNN won an Emmy Award for Best Non-scripted Entertainment.
Death edit
At the end of 1997 De Graaff received a donor kidney and was for a time able to live a relatively normal life. In 1999 the kidney was rejected and his health deteriorated quickly. De Graaff died on 25 May 2002 at the age of 35.
References edit
- ^ In isolation, Frederikus is pronounced [ˌfreːdəˈrikʏs].
External links edit
Media related to Bart de Graaff at Wikimedia Commons
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