Erik van Muiswinkel

Erik van Muiswinkel (born Frederik Leendert van Muiswinkel on 4 August 1961 in Eemnes) is a Dutch comedian and actor. He became known through television programs such as Ook dat nog! and Kopspijkers, and for his role as Hoofdpiet during the Sinterklaas celebrations. He grew up in Haarlem, the son of actor Freek van Muiswinkel, and studied Dutch at the University of Amsterdam, where he was also editor of the student newspaper Propria Cures.

Van Muiswinkel was part of the cabaret group Zak en As, which won the Leiden Cabaret Festival in 1985. When the group disbanded in 1991, he formed the duo Van Vleuten and Van Muiswinkel with Diederik van Vleuten until 2009. He made his television debut as a presenter in 1989, and from 1996 to 2005 appeared in the satirical program Kopspijkers, imitating many famous Dutch people; the program won the Gouden Televizier-Ring in 2002. Since 1996 he has been part of the comedians in the radio program Spijkers met Koppen.

From 1998 to 2015, Van Muiswinkel played the role of Hoofdpiet in Het Sinterklaasjournaal, stepping down in 2015 due to the Black Pete debate. Since 2016, he has returned to making theatre performances, including a 2019 tour dedicated to the artist Drs. P. He has also translated musicals such as Aladdin and Frozen, winning the Dutch Musical Award for Best Translated Script in 2022 for Aladdin. His honors include the Annie M.G. Schmidt Prize and the Poelifinario. He is married, has three children, and lives in Haarlem.