Erik Clausen's "last word" is preserved

It has never been remotely easy for Erik Clausen to take the magazine out of his mouth and speak his mind. Whether it has been in films, TV appearances, clowning or street theatre, the multi-artist has always spoken straight out of the bag.

Now he gets the opportunity to do it again one last time. Before his death, Erik Clausen chose to give an interview to Mikael Bertelsen for the program series 'The last word'.  

Royal Danish Library is a partner in the project "The last word" and will henceforth store the full recording of Clausen's interview in our collections. Which ensures that it remains a valuable source for future research.

- From a historical perspective, it is particularly interesting for us to add an archive to such a prominent, socially rebuking voice as Erik Clausen's. The entire interview, which is somewhat longer than the one shown on TV, may in the future give a very special insight into the time in which Erik Clausen moved. Erik Clausen was not afraid of anything or anyone, nor of leaving his history unedited for posterity. This is according to Søren Bitsch Christensen, deputy director and head of cultural heritage at the Kgl. Library.

Royal Danish Library works to secure Denmark's cultural heritage for posterity, and sees "The Last Word" as an obvious opportunity to ensure that future generations can gain insight into the important voices that have shaped our society.

Erik Clausen died aged 82 after a long illness on 30 October 2024. TV2 broadcasts the cut interview on their channels on Sunday 10 November.