Beloved sitcom star Esther Roord died on Wednesday, March 25, at the age of 61. The news was confirmed by her caregiver to De Telegraaf. The star had been battling health issues in recent years and spent her final days in the Sarphatihuis nursing home. Following her death, it was revealed she had donated her body to science. The actress was best known for her role as neighbour Sonja in the popular comedy series Kees & Co., which she starred in from 1997 until 2006.

In 2019, the show was relaunched, but she didn't appear in it. She later indicated in an interview that her absence was "very unfortunate". That same year, she shattered her forearm after falling down the stairs, and her recovery was complicated. She was approached to appear in the second season of the rebooted show, but reportedly, she was unsure if she was physically capable of memorising all the lines at the time.

Despite this, she continued to be recognised for the role that made her famous. "It is truly a miracle that, years after the series ended, I still hear on the street: 'Hey, Sonja!'" she said in one of her final interviews. I wear very big glasses now, but as soon as I start talking, people recognise me by my voice," she revealed in the same chat.

Alongside her role in the hit show, she also appeared in productions such as Baantjer, Flodder, Pleidooi, and Flikken Maastricht. On stage, she won the John Kraaijkamp Musical Award in 2009 for her role in Piaf.

Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learnt the sad news. Writing on Facebook one commented: "Still watching Kees&Co every evening on RTL Lounge 61 way too soon, strength to the family and loved ones. Condolences."

Another added: "Way too young, but always remembered as that amazing Sonja. You were a lovely, sympathetic, fun woman, Esther."

A third chimed in: "Shocked by this, didn't know she was sick, she was so good at Kees & Co, amazing actress, so young still, going to miss you R.I.P."

A fourth shared: "It was a great series, and she was a good actress, and together with you, Simone, a unique couple! Gone way too young, but she will never be forgotten. Strength with this loss for you and all who loved her."

A fifth lamented: "Oh, I thought she was a real powerhouse, lovely the way she played that role. Rest in peace and strength to the family and everyone who loves her."

Meanwhile, a sixth penned: "So young and such an amazing actress! What a loss this will be! Still so young, strength to all the loved ones."