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He's from the Netherlands.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Jan 23, 2019
Comedians of the World on Netflix features 47 comics from across the globe, giving viewers in-depth insight into what life is like in various cultures. With countries like France, the UK, South Africa, and India, the unique perspectives are a great way to expand your comedy horizons. Even better? Netflix offers subtitles for the specials that aren’t in English.
And one stand-up routine to watch is that of Martijn Koning, a comedian from the Netherlands. Critics describe his style as “raw, cheeky, absurd and hilarious,” while others call attention to his edgy one-liners and creative imagination. But don’t take our word for it.
Just who is Martijn Koning? Here are a few details to know about the comedian’s life and career.
1. He’s Dutch.
Koning was born in Zwolle, a city in the Netherlands. Though he originally studied English and was on his way to obtaining a law degree, he soon found his calling.
2. He’s been doing stand-up since 2004.
And it all started with Koning being bored on one summer day. He began doing stand-up at the Comedy Cafe, and quickly joined the Comedy Explosion, a comedy group. The same year, he was one of the finalists for the Culture Comedy Award, and in 2005, he won the Personality Award at the Groninger Student Cabaret Festival.
Since 2006, he’s been part of Comedytrain, a Dutch company for comedians, and does sets at Toomler, a theater in Amsterdam. He also performs regularly at festivals, including Lowlands and De Zwarte Cross.
3. But he’s also a writer.
Since 2009, he’s written a weekly column for the radio program Spijkers met koppen. He also writes for the programs of other comedians, as well as for the show This Was the News, a satirical program. He’s written for the movies Manslaughter and Familieweekend.
4. He’s appeared on television.
Koning had his own television show, Eindemaands, as well as a cabaret show called the New Year’s Eve Conference, which featured musical accompaniment from the duo Maartje & Kine. He’s a permanent team member on Do But Normal, and had a supporting role in the film Doodslag.
He’s also appeared in Best Viewers as a guest team captain, as well as They Are Just People, Talk Dutch With Me, and Error and New. In addition, he had his own stand-up routine, Martijn Koning: Sint & nieuw, aired.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.