Australian musicians died at 34
Here are 2 famous musicians from Australia died at 34:
John Fegan
John Fegan (April 5, 2015 Belfast-April 5, 1981) also known as John 'Jack' Fegan or Jack Fegan was an Australian actor and soldier.
Fegan began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several films and stage productions in Australia and England. He enlisted in the Australian Army during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater, earning several medals for his bravery in battle. After the war, he returned to acting, starring in popular films such as "The Overlanders" and "Kangaroo." Fegan also appeared in numerous TV shows, including the long-running Australian soap opera "The Sullivans." In addition to his acting career, Fegan was a talented artist and often painted portraits of his fellow actors. He passed away on his 66th birthday in 1981.
Fegan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1915 and immigrated to Australia with his family when he was a child. He grew up in Sydney and developed a love for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and local theater productions. After honing his craft in Australia, he traveled to England to continue his acting studies and landed his first major role in the film "The Master of Ballantrae" in 1953.
During his time in the Australian Army, Fegan served as a lieutenant and saw action in campaigns in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in leading his troops in a successful attack against a heavily fortified enemy position in New Guinea.
After the war, Fegan resumed his acting career and became a well-known figure in Australian film and television. In addition to his work in front of the camera, he was also involved in the Australian Actors' Equity union and served as its president for a time. Fegan was married twice and had four children.
Fegan's legacy in the Australian entertainment industry lives on, and he is remembered as a talented actor and artist who served his country with distinction.
Fegan's talents extended beyond acting and painting; he was also a skilled writer and published his memoirs, "From Soldier to Actor," in 1979. The book chronicled his experiences in both the military and entertainment industries, offering a unique perspective on Australian society during the mid-20th century. Fegan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia posthumously in 1982 for his contributions to the arts and his service as a soldier during World War II. His impact on Australian culture continues to be felt today.
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Timothy Conigrave
Timothy Conigrave (November 19, 1959 Melbourne-October 18, 1994) was an Australian writer and actor.
He is best known for his memoir "Holding the Man", which is a personal account of his life and love story with his partner John Caleo. The book was later adapted into a play and a film. Conigrave was a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and had a successful career as an actor on stage and screen. He was also an active campaigner for gay rights and fought against the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community at a time when homosexuality was illegal in Australia. Conigrave unfortunately passed away due to complications related to AIDS. His legacy lives on through his writing and activism, as well as through the Timothy Conigrave Trust, which provides funding for LGBTQ+ youth and projects promoting diversity and inclusion.
In addition to "Holding the Man", Conigrave also wrote and co-wrote several plays, including "Poor Superman" and "Bliss". He collaborated with his partner John Caleo on many of these projects. Conigrave was known for his wit, intelligence, and passion for social justice. He was also a talented teacher and worked as a drama lecturer at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). After his death, his friends and family established the Timothy Conigrave Memorial Scholarship at NIDA to support aspiring actors from disadvantaged backgrounds. Conigrave's work has had a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Australia and beyond, and his courage and honesty in writing about his personal life has inspired many others to do the same.
Furthermore, Conigrave's activism also included his involvement in the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, where he was part of the steering committee. He played a significant role in organizing the 1988 protest against the AIDS panic that caused discrimination and fear among the public. Conigrave also worked as a volunteer, lending his support and time to various organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. In 1998, four years after his death, Conigrave was posthumously awarded the Human Rights Medal in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of human rights in Australia. The Timothy Conigrave Trust, established in his honor, has sponsored numerous initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life of the LGBTQ+ community. His legacy continues to inspire people to fight for equality and understanding.
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