Urbanus: A Life of Unwavering Passion and Commitment
Urbain Joseph Servranckx, professionally known as Urbanus, was born on a warm summer day, June 7, 1949, in the charming town of Dilbeek, Belgium. This multifaceted individual is a renowned Belgian comedian, singer, guitarist, author of comic books, and accomplished actor. Prior to adopting the stage name Urbanus, he was associated with his former backing group, Urbanus van Anus. As his artistic career progressed, he transitioned from music to comedy and cabaret in 1973, swiftly gaining widespread popularity in the Flemish region of Belgium, and subsequently replicating this success in the Netherlands.
Urbanus, a talented musician, has released a plethora of musical singles over the years, some of which have remarkably managed to climb the charts and reach a wider audience. Among these notable releases is his iconic Christmas song, "Bakske Vol Met Stro," which first saw the light of day in 1979.
This particular tune, however, proved to be a source of controversy, as it humorously poked fun at the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite the initial backlash, the song surprisingly went on to become Urbanus's signature tune and his best-selling record to date, likely due to its ability to resonate with listeners and spark lively conversations.
It's worth noting that Urbanus, despite identifying as an atheist, has chosen to marry within the Roman Catholic Church and has also seen fit to have his children baptized, a decision that may have raised a few eyebrows among his fans and detractors alike.
Urbanus, a renowned actor, has had the privilege of starring in a trio of films: "Hector" in 1987, "Koko Flanel" in 1990, and "Seventh Heaven" in 1993.
His inaugural cinematic endeavour, "Hector", achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious 1988 international comedy film festival held in Chamrousse, France. This outstanding achievement was met with widespread acclaim, as Urbanus was bestowed the esteemed title of best actor by the esteemed Radio France and Dauphiné Libéré.
Furthermore, Urbanus has also demonstrated his versatility as a voice actor by lending his voice to the Flemish versions of the Pixar animated films "Cars" and "Cars 2". In these productions, he took on the role of the charismatic character Mater, bringing his unique talents to the forefront.
Urbanus is the creative genius behind a beloved comics series, which initially debuted in 1982 and revolves around a childlike version of himself. The series has been masterfully illustrated by the talented Willy Linthout, with Urbanus taking over the scenarios from the third story onwards. This iconic comic strip has proudly held the title of the longest-running series in the celebrity-inspired genre, with new albums still being published to this day, captivating audiences of all ages.
In addition to his work on this esteemed series, Urbanus has also showcased his impressive writing skills in other notable projects. For instance, he has contributed humorous gags to the satirical comic "De Geverniste Vernepelingskes", which made its debut in 1998. Furthermore, Urbanus has lent his expertise to the creation of the children's comics "Plankgas en Plastronneke" and "Mieleke Melleke Mol", both of which have been beautifully brought to life by the talented illustrator Dirk Stallaert. "Plankgas en Plastronneke" ran from 2004 to 2008, while "Mieleke Melleke Mol" has been a staple since 2003, delighting young readers with its whimsical humor and engaging storylines.
Urbanus, a multifaceted individual, has not only penned humorous comics, but has also taken up the artistic mantle, crafting his own gag comics, which showcase his versatility as a creative force. Furthermore, he has lent his artistic talents to numerous album covers, imbuing the music industry with his unique visual style.
In recognition of his tireless efforts to promote liberty and individual freedom, Urbanus was bestowed the esteemed Prize for Liberty by Nova Civitas, a prominent Flemish think tank, in the year 2008.
