Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Antwerp actor Alex Wilequet passed away at 96 years old. The 70s and 80s produced his fame through his leading roles in BRT television series, including Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels. Leen Vandersteen, along with Wilequet, had a union before her death.
The 96-year-old Antwerp actor Alex Wilequet died on Wednesday within a Heide-Kalmthout residential care center. He died less than two weeks following the death of his wife, Leen Vandersteen, who was Willy Vandersteen’s daughter. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Wilequet achieved notoriety by appearing in successful BRT shows like Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels.
Alex Wilequet started his professional career at BRT (Belgian Radio and Television) in 1958 as a member of its dramaturgical company, where he acted in TV shows and radio dramas. Famous for appearing as the ‘factor’ in Slisse & Cesar, he received widespread acclaim. The highlight of Wilequet’s career came when he performed Father Damien in a travelling folk theatre production starting in 1983, which he delivered more than 300 times to an audience exceeding 100,000 people.
Wilequet delivered the performance 300 times in front of audiences exceeding 100,000 people.
In 1994, Wilequet took on the role of Professor Barabas in the children’s musical Suske en Wiske, which was adapted from his father-in-law Willy Vandersteen’s comic books. In addition to his voice role, he also provided voice work for subsequent animated films about the same character. The 2000s saw Wilequet act as a guest performer on the TV shows Spoed and Familie.
What is the background of Alex Wilequet’s career and legacy?
The Belgian actor Alex Wilequet debuted his career at BRT (Belgian Radio and Television) in 1958 by starring in television shows and radio dramas. He achieved national recognition during the 1970s and 1980s through his appearances in successful BRT programming, such as Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels.
The performance of Father Damien by Wilequet in a folk theatre travelling show stood as his crowning achievement because it toured 100,000 people across 300 shows.
He performed as Professor Barabas in the Suske en Wiske musical in 1994 before lending his voice to animated versions of these comics according to his father-in-law Willy Vandersteen’s creations. Throughout six decades, Wilequet appeared in numerous television programs, including his guest spots on Spoed and Familie.
By marrying Leen Vandersteen, he established a bridge to Belgium’s cultural heritage since her father, Willy, was a well-known cartoonist. Wilequet established a permanent impact upon both Belgian television and theater through his creative work.
