Romanian Radu Beligan, world’s oldest theatre actor, dies

Romanian actor Radu Beligan, recognised as the world’s oldest active professional theatre actor, died today at the age of 97.

The actor, who passed away at a Bucharest hospital, had a career lasting over 70 years in theatre, film, television and radio. On 15 December 2013, he officially received the title of “the oldest active theatre actor”, confirmed by Guinness World Records.

Beligan continued acting until April, when he left his role as an elderly scientist in Romanian play The Immortal, after having issues with his voice. His theatre debut was in a stage version of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment in 1937. As well as being a prolific actor, Beligan was also known for his controversial involvement in politics. He was a member of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party from 1969–1989, and a deputy of the Great National Assembly from 1961–1975.

Source: Romania Insider and Daily Mail