Amsterdam’s annual Canal Catwalk will pause its fourteenth fashion show this Sunday to honor the memory of Dutch actor Paul van Gorcum, who died in late November at age 91. A beloved figure in the Netherlands, van Gorcum was a longtime supporter and honorary chairman of the event, known for staging runway shows on the city’s picturesque canals [[1]]. Organizers plan a special tribute including a large portrait and a moment of silence to recognise his contributions to both the fashion show and Dutch entertainment.
Amsterdam’s Canal Catwalk will honor actor Paul van Gorcum, who passed away in late November, during its show on Sunday. Designers and models will showcase a large portrait of the actor, and organizers plan to observe a minute of silence in his memory.
Van Gorcum, a longtime supporter of the event, served as honorary chairman and ambassador for the Canal Catwalk, which is holding its fourteenth annual fashion show on Amsterdam’s canals this year.
“We want to create a special moment, also for friends and family who weren’t able to say a proper goodbye,” the organization stated Saturday, according to ANP. Van Gorcum donated his body to science after his death.
The Canal Catwalk dedicated a day to Van Gorcum in 2024, celebrating his 90th birthday. The organization intends to continue honoring him annually on March 3rd, though the specific format of the tribute is still being determined.
Van Gorcum, who was 91 years old at the time of his death, gained widespread recognition for his role as Baron Van Neemweggen in the popular television series *Bassie en Adriaan*. He also provided the voice for Gargamel in the *Smurfs* franchise and narrated the Baron 1898 ride at the Efteling theme park.
Amsterdam’s annual Canal Catwalk fashion show will pause to remember actor Paul van Gorcum, who died in late November, during its event this Sunday. The show, a unique presentation staged on the city’s iconic canals, will feature a large portrait of van Gorcum and a moment of silence.
Organizers confirmed they are planning the tribute to honor van Gorcum’s significant contributions to the event. He served as both honorary chairman and ambassador for the Canal Catwalk, which is celebrating its fourteenth year. “We want to create a special moment, also for friends and family who weren’t able to say a proper goodbye,” a representative for the organization said Saturday, according to ANP.
The Canal Catwalk previously honored van Gorcum earlier this year, dedicating March 3rd to celebrate his 90th birthday. The organization plans to continue recognizing him on that date annually, though details of future commemorations are still under development. This dedication underscores the close relationship between the event and the celebrated actor.
Van Gorcum, who passed away at the age of 91, was a well-known figure in Dutch entertainment. He achieved fame for his portrayal of Baron Van Neemweggen in the beloved children’s television series Bassie en Adriaan. Beyond live-action roles, he lent his voice to iconic characters, including Gargamel from The Smurfs and the narration for the Baron 1898 attraction at the Efteling theme park. His diverse work highlights the enduring impact of voice acting and character performance in popular culture.
Van Gorcum generously donated his body to science following his death.
