Studio 100 Icon Danny Verbiest Dies at 79

Brussels – Danny Verbiest (1945–2024), the beloved voice of Samson and co-founder of Studio 100 alongside Gert Verhulst and Hans Bourlon, passed away at the age of 79 on April 14, 2025. He introduced the iconic duo of Samson and Gert in 1990.

Danny Verbiest, a key figure in Belgian children’s television, died on April 14, 2025. He was best known as the original voice of Samson, the talking dog, and as a co-founder of the entertainment powerhouse Studio 100. Many generations grew up watching Samson and Gert, which became a cultural staple in Flanders.

How Danny Verbiest Transformed Flemish Children’s TV

In recent years, Verbiest kept a relatively low profile. He made a rare public appearance for Studio 100’s 25th anniversary celebration at Plopsaland, where he surprised fans during an episode of “James De Musical.” Arriving in a wheelchair, he candidly admitted he wasn’t as strong as he once was, joking that his once “iron constitution” had become “a little rusty.” Verbiest had been facing health challenges for some time.

Together with Gert Verhulst and Hans Bourlon, Verbiest was honored for his major role in building Studio 100 into a leading children’s entertainment brand. While he missed the “30 Years of Samson and Gert” celebration, Verhulst shared that Verbiest had been going through difficult times, with the pandemic possibly compounding his struggles.

Verbiest last performed the role of Samson in 2005, marking the show’s 15th anniversary. After years of puppeteering and voice acting, he chose to step back, citing the physical demands of the job. He sold his share in Studio 100, seeking new creative outlets, though he retained partial ownership of the “Samson en Gert” brand. Peter Thyssen succeeded him as Samson’s voice, with Dirk Bosschaert taking over in 2013.

Even after officially leaving the role of Samson, Verbiest remained active. In 2015, he revealed that though he had the option to slow down, he preferred staying busy. He explored animation, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. He founded a travel agency, restored a historic café, and continued to contribute creatively to new projects.

Verbiest also put his heart into social causes. He was a strong supporter of Villa Samson at the University Hospital Brussels, a center where patients can spend time with their pets or receive animal-assisted therapy. His compassion extended to additional hospital initiatives, including the Apple Garden and the Ronald McDonald House, both aimed at providing comfort during difficult times.

Danny Verbiest became a household name in Flemish-speaking regions through his portrayal of Samson, first introduced on BRT television in 1989. The character’s popularity skyrocketed with the launch of “Samson en Gert” in 1990.

His distinctive voice, comedic timing, and puppetry talents helped the show reach extraordinary heights, at one point producing up to 150 episodes annually. Verbiest remained the voice of Samson until his retirement in 2005, holding a deep sense of pride and affection for the character.

“I am still proud when people address me as Samson. That means that the dog meant something in their lives and colored a part of their youth.

And that’s why I did it.”

In 1996, Verbiest co-founded Studio 100 with Verhulst and Bourlon. The company would go on to create a wide range of children’s entertainment, including successful TV series, musicals, theme parks, and merchandise. Shows such as Kabouter Plop, Piet Piraat, and Spring were developed during Verbiest’s time with the company. He also played a role in the musical “De 3 Biggetjes” by K3.

Although he stepped away from public life, Studio 100 continued to draw from his creative input. His legacy endures in