Must-Watch: Jay Francis: De schaduw van de lach – The Pain Behind the Laughter

I recently watched the Dutch documentary Jay Francis: De schaduw van de lach, and it left me reflecting deeply on the layers beneath public personas.

We all know Jay Francis, or Tisjeboy, as the fearless comedian who doesn’t shy away from speaking his truth, even when it contradicts social norms. During the pandemic, he became a voice for many in the Netherlands, helping those who felt disconnected from the restrictions imposed on the world.

But what we often forget is the personal pain and the journey it took for someone to become who they are today. The documentary peels back those layers, revealing a childhood marked by domestic abuse and a life that at one point veered toward dealing soft drugs. Yet, despite his turbulent beginnings, Jay went on to achieve incredible success, even selling out the biggest theater in the Netherlands.

I have a soft spot for family stories, and Jay’s story is exactly that: raw, painful, but always full of gratitude.

What struck me most is how, beneath the laughs and bold words, Jay is a man with deep struggles. He openly battles with spirituality, experiencing lucid dreams and sleep paralysis, and receives messages from his guides—both good and bad. His vulnerability comes through as he talks about feeling like an impostor, especially at night when he turns to smoking a joint just to get some sleep.

I have a soft spot for family stories, and Jay’s story is exactly that: raw, painful, but always full of gratitude. He shares how becoming a father has transformed him, making him question how anyone, including his own parents, could hurt a child. With teary eyes, he expresses the hope and love he now pours into his own daughter.

If you’re looking for an inspiring, unfiltered story filled with moments of laughter, pain, and heart, Jay Francis: De schaduw van de lach is a documentary you shouldn’t miss. It's a reminder that behind every smile lies a story, and behind every comedian is a human being who has fought their way to the stage.

Love, Mara