Ray Verhaeghe Celebrates 100th Birthday Amidst Decades-Long Role on ‘Familie’

Belgian actor Ray Verhaeghe, best known for his role as Albert Thielens in the long-running soap opera Familie, celebrated his 100th birthday on March 19, 2026. Verhaeghe, born on March 19, 1926, in Torhout, Belgium, has been a fixture on Belgian television since 1991.

A Career Spanning Decades

Ray Verhaeghe began his acting career in 1957. From 1956 to 1991, he was a permanent actor at the Royal Dutch Theatre in Antwerp [1]. He then transitioned to television, finding widespread recognition for his portrayal of Albert Thielens in Familie. The soap opera, considered the longest-running in Belgium, has aired nearly 7549 episodes as of 2025 [1].

The World’s Oldest Soap Opera Couple

Verhaeghe and actress Annie Geeraerts are recognized as the oldest soap opera couple in the world, both at the age of 99 [1]. Their enduring presence on Familie has made them beloved figures in Belgian television.

Early Life and Education

Born Raymond Verhaeghe, he completed his primary education in Torhout and pursued classical humanities studies in Latin and Greek. He furthered his training at the Municipal Music Conservatory in Bruges and the Royal Conservatory of Ghent [1]. He graduated from the Studio of the National Theatre in Antwerp in 1956, following a 21-month interruption for military service [1].

Personal Life

Verhaeghe married Diana Sanders in 1955. The couple had four children. Sanders was a secondary school home economics teacher in Waregem before dedicating herself to raising their family [1].

Centennial Celebration

On March 19, 2026, Verhaeghe was surprised by his family to celebrate his 100th birthday [2]. He continues to be an active performer in the performing arts [1].