Danny Verbiest, the beloved creator of the iconic character Samson, has passed away at the age of 79. Known for his multifaceted career as a teacher, puppeteer, cartoonist, and actor, Verbiest left an indelible mark on Belgian children's television.
Born on September 27, 1945, in Vilvoorde, Verbiest first gained national recognition in the 1980s as the host of the crafting program Kameleon. This show, which aired from 1983 to 1993, introduced children to the joys of crafting using everyday materials and became a staple of Belgian television. His engaging personality and creative spirit made him a beloved figure among young audiences.
In 1989, Verbiest took on the role of Samson, a talking dog, alongside Gert Verhulst, who played his owner. The duo quickly became a household name, leading to the launch of their own television series, Samson en Gert, in the fall of 1990. The show was a massive success, with up to 150 episodes produced each year at its peak. Verbiest voiced Samson for over 15 years until he was succeeded by Peter Thyssen in 2005, and later by Dirk Bosschaert.
Verbiest's inspiration for the character of Samson came from his youngest daughter, who, at the age of three, would often mispronounce words she heard from adults. "My youngest daughter lived among adults. That's where the words she thought she had to use came from, but she pronounced them completely wrong," he explained in a 2005 interview.
In 1996, Verbiest co-founded the production company Studio 100 with Verhulst and Hans Bourlon. This venture would go on to create numerous beloved children’s shows and musicals, including Kabouter Plop, Piet Piraat, and Spring. Verbiest was not only the voice of Samson but also contributed behind the scenes, writing hundreds of scripts for various productions.
Despite his success, Verbiest chose to step back from the spotlight in 2005, selling his shares in Studio 100 and focusing on personal projects. He expressed his desire for a quieter life, stating, "I could perfectly be free every day, but I have no need for free days."
Beyond his television work, Verbiest remained committed to helping others. He was involved in initiatives such as Villa Samson, a project that allows hospital patients at UZ Jette to spend time with their pets. This initiative provided comfort to those undergoing difficult treatments, reflecting Verbiest's compassionate spirit.
Verbiest’s health began to decline in recent years, but he made notable appearances, including at the 25th anniversary celebration of Studio 100 in Plopsaland De Panne in 2021. There, he received a warm reception from fans, who were delighted to see him enjoying the applause. However, his last public appearance was in 2022 during the program James De Musical, where he was seen in a wheelchair, candidly sharing, "My health is letting me down a bit. My iron frame is a bit rusty."
His passing on April 14, 2025, marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up with Samson. Verbiest leaves behind a legacy rich in creativity and kindness, as well as a wife, Helga, and three children. His former colleagues, Gert Verhulst and Hans Bourlon, expressed their gratitude for his contributions, stating, "We are immensely grateful to Danny for everything he meant to Studio 100. After his departure, he chose to stay out of the limelight, but during the 25th anniversary celebration, it was heartwarming to see him enjoy the lasting appreciation of the audience."
Verbiest’s influence on children’s entertainment in Belgium is undeniable, and his characters have become cherished parts of many childhoods. His ability to connect with audiences, both young and old, through humor and warmth will be remembered fondly.
