Antwerp Actor Alex Wilequet Passes Away, Two Weeks After Wife Leen Vandersteen

Antwerp (Eurotoday) – The Antwerp actor Alex Wilequet has passed away at the age of 96. He became widely known in the 1970s and 1980s for his leading roles in BRT television series such as Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels. Wilequet was married to Leen Vandersteen, who passed away shortly before him.

The 96-year-old Antwerp actor Alex Wilequet died on Wednesday at a residential care center in Heide-Kalmthout. His passing came less than two weeks after the death of his wife, Leen Vandersteen, the daughter of Belgian cartoonist Willy Vandersteen. During the 1970s and 1980s, Wilequet gained nationwide recognition for his roles in popular BRT series such as Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels.

Alex Wilequet started his professional career at BRT (Belgian Radio and Television) in 1958 as part of its dramaturgical company, where he acted in television productions and radio dramas. He became especially well known for his role as the ‘factor’ in Slisse & Cesar, which earned him widespread acclaim. One of the highlights of Wilequet’s career was his portrayal of Father Damien in a traveling folk theatre production beginning in 1983, a role which he performed more than 300 times for an audience exceeding 100,000 people.

In 1994, Wilequet took on the role of Professor Barabas in the children’s musical Suske en Wiske, adapted from the comic books created by his father-in-law, Willy Vandersteen. He also provided voice work for animated film adaptations of the same series. During the 2000s, Wilequet made guest appearances in television series such as Spoed and Familie.

What is Alex Wilequet’s career legacy?

Belgian actor Alex Wilequet began his career in 1958 at BRT (Belgian Radio and Television), performing in television dramas and radio plays. He rose to national fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his roles in the hit series Slisse & Cesar and De Paradijsvogels.

His performance as Father Damien in a folk theatre production became one of his greatest achievements, with the show being performed 300 times for a total audience of over 100,000 people.

In 1994, Wilequet played the role of Professor Barabas in the Suske en Wiske musical, based on the works of his father-in-law, Willy Vandersteen. He also contributed voice work for animated adaptations of the comics. Over the course of six decades, Wilequet maintained an active presence in Belgian television, including guest roles in Spoed and Familie.

Through his marriage to Leen Vandersteen, Wilequet formed a connection to Belgium’s rich cultural heritage, as her father was a renowned cartoonist. His contributions to Belgian television and theatre have left a lasting impact on the country’s entertainment industry.