Abraham Bueno de Mesquita
A rubber-faced Dutch comedian whose physical genius and absurd characters defined a generation of slapstick in the Netherlands.
1918–2005 (age 87)·Dutch actor·Birthday: July 23·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Abraham 'Appie' Bueno de Mesquita turned his extraordinary facial elasticity into a national comedic treasure. Born into a Portuguese-Jewish family in Amsterdam in 1918, he began in pre-war cabaret. After World War II, he became a fixture of Dutch television, film, and stage. His contortions—eyes bulging, mouth stretching into impossible grins—told entire stories without words. He created beloved characters, including the naive 'Appie' and the flustered 'Burgemeester van Bovenkarspel.' His gentle, observational silliness appealed to all ages, making him the undisputed king of visual comedy in the Netherlands.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Abraham was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Abraham Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Abraham's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1998Turned 80
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2005Died at 87
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
Key Achievements
- Became one of the most beloved television comedians in the Netherlands through shows like 'Appie en zijn maatje' and 'Boven Wetering.'
- Created the iconic character of the 'Burgemeester van Bovenkarspel,' a flustered small-town mayor.
- Performed for decades in theaters across the country with his unique brand of physical and character comedy.
Did You Know?
He was a direct descendant of a famous 17th-century Portuguese-Jewish philosopher, Uriel da Costa.
During World War II, he was imprisoned in the Westerbork transit camp but survived the Holocaust.
His son, Jeroen, also became a well-known actor and comedian in the Netherlands.
“My face is my instrument, and I must keep it in tune.”
