Gerda Havertong

About Gerda Havertong

Gerda Havertong, actress and singer, is well known to the general public for her role in ‘Sesame Street’. With her role in ‘Sesame Street’, she has remained close to her educational roots. She is a graduated pedagogue with a major in education. After an active period in education in Suriname and the Netherlands, she chose the world of art and culture. Due to her versatility, she covers various disciplines.

Havertong is involved in short one-act plays, poetry, and storytelling for children, as well as reciting poems from third-world literature combined with music. She sings songs in Sranan-Tongo, Dutch, and English. She is a sought-after guest on various TV programs. Gerda Havertong is an Ambassador of the Ronald McDonald Children’s Fund. “I feel connected to people who are going through a difficult time in their lives. I want to help where needed. The special dedication of all the volunteers inspires me as an ambassador to commit even more to this good cause.”

She is also an ambassador for the National Monument of Slavery Past and SOS Children’s Villages. In September 1995, she was involved in a serious car accident, after which a long rehabilitation followed. About this period, she co-wrote the book ‘Frontaal’ with Anna Bridié. ‘Frontaal’ is the emotional story of her life and career, but also about the accident and about sorrow and joy and anger and empowerment. At the end of 1999, at the initiative of Gerda Havertong, the Wiesje Foundation was established. The aim of this foundation, based in the Netherlands, is to improve care for dementia patients in Suriname by setting up and managing a care and knowledge center for dementia patients in Suriname. Gerda Havertong is versatile, warm, realistic, and dynamic. She is a highly sought-after speaker and moderator.