Femke Boersma, Actress and Widow of Politician Frits Bolkestein, Dies at 90
Femke Boersma, a Dutch actress who later became known as the wife of prominent politician Frits Bolkestein, has died at the age of 90. Her family announced her passing last week, marking the end of a life divided between the stage and the political sphere.
Early Life and War Years
Born in Amsterdam to far-left parents, Boersma’s early life was deeply impacted by World War II. Her father, a revolutionary socialist, sheltered Jewish individuals in their home. In 1943, they were betrayed, leading to the arrest of her father and the deportation of the Jewish people they were hiding . Despite the trauma, her father survived the war.
A Career on Stage and Screen
Boersma discovered her talent for acting as a high school student. At 18, she was cast in the film comedy The Wonderful Life of Willem Parel due to her blonde hair and expressive appearance. She initially studied drama, briefly living with artist Aat Veldhoen before pursuing her education.
She joined the Nederlandse Comedie, performing at the Amsterdam Stadsschouwburg for ten years. A notable role was Honey in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which ran for 250 performances. She also performed with the Zuidelijk Toneel/Globe and co-founded the women’s theater group Theater ’80.
Boersma also appeared in films such as What Do I See!? and A Flight of Whimbrels, as well as the television series Medical Center West .
Marriage to Frits Bolkestein
Boersma and Frits Bolkestein had a prior connection at the Barlaeus Gymnasium, where he taught her to dance. Their relationship rekindled in the 1980s when Bolkestein shared an English-language play he had written, which Boersma deemed unplayable.
They began living together and married in 1988 when Bolkestein became Minister of Defense, fulfilling a requirement set by Queen Beatrix. Boersma retained her own name, a decision Bolkestein publicly supported, stating his belief in women maintaining their identities after marriage .
Political Life and Shared Interests
Despite their differing political views – Bolkestein being a right-wing VVD member and Boersma remaining left-leaning – they maintained a happy and supportive relationship. Boersma continued to hold reservations about the VVD, but believed her husband was a “world citizen” with broader perspectives.
They shared a passion for art and culture, and Boersma reportedly influenced Bolkestein’s views on cultural funding. She assisted in his political career by hosting dinners and offering advice on his public appearances.
Later Years and Death
Bolkestein served as European Commissioner from 1999 to 2004, but Boersma, a devoted Amsterdammer, did not feel at home in Brussels. They eventually moved to Laren, where Bolkestein died in February 2025. Boersma passed away in February 2026, 51 weeks after her husband, at the Rosa Spier House in Laren .