Belgian actors who deceased in 2007
Here are 3 famous actors from Belgium died in 2007:
Leon Dony
Leon Dony (January 12, 1929 Ixelles-May 8, 2007 Etterbeek) was a Belgian actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1950s, starring in several stage productions before making his film debut in 1958 with the movie "Le Miroir à Deux Faces". He went on to appear in over 70 films throughout his career, including "Les Enfants Terribles" (1959), "La Guerre des Boutons" (1962), and "Maigret et l'Affaire Saint-Fiacre" (1959). Dony was widely regarded as a versatile actor and worked in both French and Flemish language films. Additionally, he was a member of the Royal Academy of French Language and Literature of Belgium. Outside of acting, Dony was also an accomplished painter, displaying his works in several exhibitions throughout Belgium.
In addition to his film work, Leon Dony was a prolific television actor, appearing in numerous TV shows throughout his career. Some of his most notable TV credits include "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" (1960-1975), "Arsène Lupin" (1971-1974), and "Commissaire Moulin" (1976-2008). He was also a regular on the popular TV series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes," appearing in over 50 episodes. In recognition of his contributions to Belgian cinema and culture, Dony was awarded the Officer of the Order of Leopold in 1990. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich legacy in Belgian entertainment.
Dony's acting abilities were not only limited to the stage and screen. He was also a skilled voice actor, providing the French-language dubbing for several films, including "My Fair Lady" (1964) and "The Godfather" (1972). Furthermore, he lent his voice to a number of animated television shows, such as "Asterix and the Big Fight" (1989) and "The Magic Roundabout" (2005). Dony's talents as an artist extended beyond painting. He was also known for his skillful sculpting, especially in creating busts and figurines. Even in his later years, Dony remained active in the Belgian cultural scene, participating in various cultural events and presenting his artwork in exhibitions. Despite his impressive career and talents, Dony was described as a modest and humble person by those who knew him well.
Sjarel Branckaerts
Sjarel Branckaerts (September 11, 1947 Turnhout-June 10, 2007 Brussels) also known as Karel Branckaerts, Karel Branckaert, Charles Brankaerts or Charles was a Belgian actor.
He began his career in the late 1960s in several Belgian theater productions before transitioning to film and television in the 1980s. Branckaerts appeared in numerous films such as "Toto le héros" (1991), "Daens" (1992), and "The Eighth Day" (1996). He also appeared in several popular TV series, including "Witse" and "Flikken". In 2001, he was awarded the Flemish Culture Prize for Film. Besides his acting career, Branckaerts was also known for his commitment to social issues and activism, and was involved in various organizations, including Amnesty International. He passed away at the age of 59 due to complications from cancer.
Branckaerts was born on September 11, 1947, in Turnhout, Belgium. After completing his education, he began his career as a theatre artist and acted in various Belgian theatre productions in the late 1960s. His notable works in the theatre include productions such as "De Revisor" and "Mannen op de Maan."
In the 1980s, Branckaerts made his transition into the world of cinema and television. He made his film debut in 1983 with the film "Het gezin van Paemel," directed by Paul Cammermans. He then went on to act in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as "Toto le héros" (1991), "Daens" (1992), "The Eighth Day" (1996), and "Iedereen Beroemd!" (2000).
Apart from movies, Branckaerts was also a prominent face on Belgian television. He acted in several popular TV series such as "Witse," "Flikken," and "Kaat & co."
In addition to his successful acting career, Branckaerts was widely known for his social activism and commitment to various causes. He supported Amnesty International and was actively involved in promoting human rights issues.
On June 10, 2007, Karel Branckaerts passed away at the age of 59, following a long battle with cancer. He will always be remembered as a multi-talented artist and social activist who made significant contributions to the world of Belgian cinema and theatre.
Aside from his impressive contribution to cinema and television, Karel Branckaerts was an environmentally-conscious individual who supported sustainable living. He actively championed climate change advocacy and lent his voice to the cause of preserving the environment. Branckaerts also served as a lecturer for acting courses in various colleges and universities, passing down his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of actors. He remained active in the industry until his unfortunate demise in 2007. Branckaerts' legacy continues to live on through the many films, television shows, and theatrical productions he appeared in, and the significant impact he had in advocating for human rights and environmental conservation.
Domien De Gruyter
Domien De Gruyter (August 3, 1921 Antwerp-August 16, 2007 Wommelgem) a.k.a. Dom de Gruyter was a Belgian actor and film director.
De Gruyter was born on August 3, 1921, in Antwerp, Belgium. He began his career as an actor in the late 1940s, and appeared in several Flemish-language films before directing his first feature film, "Meeuwen sterven in de haven" in 1955. He went on to direct several more films throughout the 1950s and 60s, including "De Ordonnans" (1962) and "Hotel St. Gregory" (1963).
Aside from his film work, De Gruyter was also a successful stage actor, and appeared in numerous productions throughout his career. In the early 1950s, he co-founded the Antwerp-based theater company Fakkeltheater, and served as its artistic director until the mid-1960s.
De Gruyter remained active in the entertainment industry well into his later years, and was awarded the Order of the Crown by the Belgian government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. He passed away in Wommelgem, Belgium, on August 16, 2007, at the age of 86.
Throughout his career, Domien De Gruyter earned a reputation as a versatile and talented performer both on stage and on screen. He was particularly known for his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters with authenticity and emotional depth. In addition to his work in film and theater, he also appeared in several popular Flemish television series, including "Slisse & Cesar" and "Wij, Heren van Zichem". De Gruyter was also a respected acting teacher, and mentored several generations of actors at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in Antwerp. His contributions to Belgian culture and the performing arts continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
In addition to his work as an actor and director, Domien De Gruyter was also involved in politics. He was a member of the city council in Antwerp for several years, and was a fervent supporter of the Flemish nationalist movement. De Gruyter was also a philanthropist and was actively involved in several charitable organizations, including the Belgian Red Cross. He was particularly passionate about providing opportunities for young people to pursue careers in the arts, and established several scholarship programs to support aspiring performers and artists. De Gruyter's legacy as a cultural icon in Belgium is reflected in the numerous awards and honors he received throughout his career, including the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival and the title of Knight in the Order of Leopold II.