Art Rooijakkers’s Comeback: A Second Chance for His Voice
Dutch television presenter Art Rooijakkers is back in the spotlight, not for his hosting prowess, but for a health battle that threatened to silence him permanently. The popular face of RTL Boulevard underwent a second surgery on his vocal cords, this time to address a granuloma.
This isn’t Rooijakkers’ first encounter with voice problems. Three years ago, a polyp was discovered, causing him to lose his voice and facing the terrifying prospect of ending his career. Determined to regain his voice, he underwent a successful operation.
However, the joy of recovery was short-lived. At the end of January, a new challenge emerged: a granuloma developed on his other vocal fold. This unexpected setback required another surgical intervention, leading to a “big disappointment” for Rooijakkers, who had to temporarily step away from his beloved presenting roles.
While Rooijakkers focuses on recovery, his dedicated colleagues have stepped up to fill the gap. Thomas van Groningen, Pim Sedee, and Maarten Steendam have taken over presenting duties for "News of the Day," while familiar voices Ghislaine Plag, Fernando Halman, and Wouter Laumans, among others, are managing his radio show on BNR.
This latest surgery brings hope for a full recovery. Rooijakkers’ former silence for 100 days after the first operation, during which he relied on non-verbal communication and creative solutions to connect with his family, serves as a testament to his resilience. This time, the medical team is confident he can regain his voice and return to the screen, bringing joy and entertainment to audiences across the country.
Rooijakkers’ story is a reminder of the fragility of the human voice, but also its capacity for resilience. His determination to overcome this challenge inspires professionals in all vocations, especially those whose voices are their livelihood.