Pathetic Facts

Australian musicians died at 50

Here are 6 famous musicians from Australia died at 50:

Myra De Groot

Myra De Groot (July 4, 1937 Westminster-April 4, 1988 Melbourne) also known as Myra Tania De Groot was an Australian actor.

De Groot was born in Westminster, London, but her family migrated to Australia when she was very young. She began her career in theatre, performing in numerous stage productions and earning critical acclaim for her performances. She also appeared in several Australian television shows and movies, including "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" and "Division 4". In addition to her acting career, De Groot was a vocal supporter of women's rights and was involved with numerous charitable organizations. Her legacy in Australian theater and film continues to inspire future generations of actors.

Throughout her career, Myra De Groot was known for her versatility as an actor, transitioning effortlessly between comedic and dramatic roles. She was particularly renowned for her work in Shakespearean productions, having performed in several acclaimed adaptations of the bard's plays.

De Groot was also an accomplished voice actor, lending her voice to numerous animated films and TV shows. In the 1980s, she was a regular performer on the popular Australian children's show, "Play School".

Aside from her professional accomplishments, De Groot was also a passionate activist for social justice and environmental causes. She was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and actively supported the campaign for nuclear disarmament.

Sadly, De Groot's life was cut short when she passed away from cancer at the age of 50. However, her contributions to Australian culture and society continue to be celebrated to this day. In 2002, she was posthumously inducted into the Australian Film Walk of Fame.

De Groot was also a highly respected acting teacher, having taught at the National Theatre Drama School and the Melbourne Theatre Company. She was known for her rigorous approach to training, as well as her ability to inspire and challenge her students.

In addition to her work as an actor and teacher, De Groot was a dedicated advocate for the arts. She served on the boards of several prominent theater companies and was a vocal supporter of government funding for the arts.

Despite her untimely death, De Groot's impact on Australian theater and culture can still be felt today. Her legacy as an actor and activist continues to inspire generations of artists and activists who strive to make a positive impact on the world.

De Groot's contributions to the Australian entertainment industry were not only limited to acting and teaching, but she was also a writer. She authored a book titled "Acting with intention: A practical handbook for actors" published in 1984. The book was intended to guide aspiring actors and provide them with tips and techniques for improving their craft.

De Groot was a highly respected figure in the Australian theater and film industry, and her death in 1988 was widely mourned. Her funeral was attended by many of her colleagues and students, who paid tribute to her talent, passion, and dedication to her craft.

In recognition of her contributions to the arts, the Myra De Groot Award was established in her memory. The award is presented annually to a graduate of the National Theatre Drama School who has demonstrated outstanding talent and potential in the field of acting.

Today, Myra De Groot is remembered as one of Australia's finest actors and a pioneering champion for women's rights and social justice. Her legacy lives on through the countless performers and artists she inspired and continues to inspire.

She died caused by cancer.

Read more about Myra De Groot on Wikipedia »

Francis Bell

Francis Bell (April 18, 1944 United Kingdom-May 3, 1994 Auckland) was an Australian actor.

Francis Bell was best known for playing the role of the cowboy character "Mack" in the popular New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He starred on the show from 1992 until his death in 1994. Prior to his success on Shortland Street, Bell had a lengthy acting career in Australia, appearing in various television shows and movies such as "Division 4" and "Homicide". Bell's death was a shock to many in the entertainment industry and his fans, and a memorial was held in his honor on the Shortland Street set.

Despite being a successful actor, Francis Bell struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. In addition to his work in television and film, he was also a stage actor and performed with various theater companies in Australia and New Zealand. Bell studied acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney and worked as an acting teacher later in his career. He was passionate about the arts and was known for his dedication to his craft. Bell's legacy continues to be remembered by his colleagues and fans, and his contributions to the entertainment industry are still celebrated today.

Despite his professional success, Francis Bell's personal life was often tumultuous. He struggled with mental health issues throughout his life, which led to several hospitalizations and bouts of depression. Bell was also known to be openly gay at a time when it was not widely accepted, and he faced discrimination and prejudice as a result. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his craft and continued to pursue his passion for acting.

Following his death, a trust was established in Bell's name to support the performing arts in New Zealand. The Francis Bell Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a promising student in theater, film, or television.

In addition to his work in the arts, Bell was also an avid traveler and adventurer. He enjoyed exploring the world and was known for taking daring risks, such as skydiving and bungee jumping. Bell's passion for life and his commitment to his craft continue to inspire those who knew him and those who have been touched by his work.

Despite the struggles he faced, Francis Bell was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and paved the way for future LGBTQ+ actors. He was open about his sexuality and played important roles in breaking down barriers and promoting acceptance. Bell's legacy as not only a talented actor, but also an advocate for equality and mental health awareness, continues to inspire and influence many today. His impact on the New Zealand entertainment industry and beyond is still felt and appreciated by those who were fortunate enough to have known him or his work.

He died caused by suicide.

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Arthur Patchett Martin

Arthur Patchett Martin (February 18, 1851 Kent-February 15, 1902 Canary Islands) was an Australian personality.

He was a physician and marine biologist known for his contributions to the understanding of marine biology and fisheries. Martin was the first to document the life cycle of the southern bluefin tuna and was a pioneer in the sustainable management of marine resources. In addition to his scientific work, Martin was also a prolific writer and contributed articles on marine biology and fisheries to various journals and magazines. He was widely respected for his expertise and played a critical role in the development of fisheries management policies in Australia. Despite his impressive achievements, Martin's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 50 while on a scientific expedition to the Canary Islands.

Martin was born in Kent, England and migrated with his family to Australia when he was 10 years old. He attended the University of Melbourne and received a degree in Medicine in 1875. Martin practiced medicine for a short period before turning his attention to his true passion - marine biology. He explored the coast of Australia, diving and collecting specimens, and became known as an expert in the field.

Martin's groundbreaking work on the life cycle of the southern bluefin tuna brought him international recognition. He was also a strong advocate for sustainable fishing practices, and his work influenced the establishment of the first marine protected areas in Australia.

Aside from his work, Martin was known for his love of adventure, and he often undertook dangerous expeditions to collect rare specimens. His untimely death while on a scientific expedition to the Canary Islands was a great loss to the scientific community.

Despite his short life, Arthur Patchett Martin left behind a lasting legacy in the field of marine biology and fisheries management. His work on the southern bluefin tuna provided a foundation for future research in the field, while his advocacy for sustainable fishing practices laid the groundwork for modern approaches to marine resource management. Martin's contributions to scientific journals and popular magazines extended his influence beyond the scientific community and raised public awareness about the importance of preserving marine resources. Following his death, Martin was recognized as a pioneer in his field, and his legacy continues to inspire marine biologists and conservationists to this day.

Martin's legacy continues to inspire many in the field, and his contributions have been recognized through various honours and accolades posthumously. In 1970, the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in Melbourne, Australia was established as a tribute to Martin's work in ecology and conservation. In addition, the Australian government named a Marine Protected Area in Snowy Mountains after him. Martin's scientific papers and correspondence are housed in the National Library of Australia's Manuscript Collection. Martin's dedication to the study of marine life and the sustainable use of resources has left an indelible mark on the scientific community, and his work continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists and conservationists.

Vicki Viidikas

Vicki Viidikas (September 25, 1948 Sydney-November 27, 1998 Sydney) was an Australian writer.

She was known for her works in the fields of poetry and prose, including her collections of poetry, "Condition Red" and "Cordite and Testosterone." Viidikas was also an active member of the Sydney literary and arts scene in the 1970s and 1980s. Her writing often explored themes of sexuality, relationships, and experiences of marginalization. Despite her relatively short life, Viidikas left a lasting impact on Australian literature and continues to be recognized as an important figure in the country's literary history.

She was born in Sydney and grew up in a working-class family. Viidikas started her career with the publication of her first collection of poems, "Wrappings," in 1970. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she was associated with a group of poets and writers known as the "Generation of '68," who were known for their experimental and avant-garde works.

Apart from writing, Viidikas was also a performer and often read her works at public events. She was also passionate about music and was a member of the punk band the Hellcats. In addition to her published works, she was also highly regarded for her contributions to literary magazines and anthologies in Australia.

Sadly, Vicki Viidikas struggled with drug addiction and depression throughout her life. She died by suicide in 1998 at the age of 50. Despite her tragic death, her legacy as an influential and ground-breaking writer and performer continues to be celebrated in Australia and beyond.

Viidikas' works were often characterized by a raw and visceral quality that reflected her personal experiences and struggles. Her writing was praised for its honesty and willingness to confront taboo subjects. In addition to her poetry, Viidikas also published a novel, "The Hours of the Night," in 1986, which explored a young woman's experiences of love, sex, and drug addiction.

Throughout her career, Viidikas maintained close relationships with other writers and artists, including the poet Robert Adamson and the painter Brett Whiteley. She was also known for her involvement in feminist and social justice movements and was an advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.

In recent years, interest in Viidikas' work has continued to grow, and she has been the subject of several retrospective exhibitions and publications. Her writing continues to be praised for its powerful and provocative nature, and for its contribution to the development of Australian literature.

Viidikas' influence on Australian literature and culture cannot be overstated. Her writing pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, paving the way for future generations of writers to do the same. Her honesty and bravery in discussing taboo subjects like drug addiction and sexuality not only opened up important conversations but also brought these issues to the forefront of Australian culture. Viidikas was a unique and groundbreaking writer who has left an indelible mark on Australian literature and continues to inspire new generations of writers and artists.

Read more about Vicki Viidikas on Wikipedia »

Rowland S. Howard

Rowland S. Howard (October 24, 1959-December 30, 2009) also known as Roland S. Howard or Howard, Rowland S. was an Australian musician, songwriter and guitarist.

His albums: Autoluminiscent / Ocean, Teenage Snuff Film, Pop Crimes, I Knew Buffalo Bill, Some Velvet Morning, Shotgun Wedding, Shotgun Wedding: Live in Siberia and Kiss You Kidnapped Charabanc. Genres related to him: Post-punk.

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Ken Irvine

Ken Irvine (March 5, 1940 Cremorne-December 22, 1990 Brisbane) was an Australian personality.

Ken Irvine was a former professional Rugby League footballer who played for the North Sydney Bears and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the Australian Rugby League competition. He made his debut for North Sydney in 1958, at the age of 18 and went on to play 236 first-grade games, scoring 212 tries. Irvine still holds the record for the most tries scored in a single season, scoring 33 tries in 1962, which is considered one of the greatest individual seasons in rugby league history. After retiring from playing, Irvine worked as a commentator and pundit for various media outlets. He was posthumously inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003.

Irvine was born in Cremorne, New South Wales and started playing Rugby League at a young age. He was known for his speed, agility, and scoring ability, which made him one of the most feared opponents on the field. In addition to his success in the Australian Rugby League competition, Ken Irvine also represented Australia in international matches. He played in 31 Tests for the Australian national team, scoring a total of 33 tries. This achievement made him the leading try-scorer in Australian Test rugby league history for several decades.

After retiring from playing, Ken Irvine continued to be involved in Rugby League by working as a commentator and pundit on television and radio. He also maintained close ties with his former clubs, the North Sydney Bears and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. In his later years, Irvine battled leukemia, a type of blood cancer, which ultimately led to his death in 1990 at the age of 50. His legacy as one of the all-time greats of Rugby League in Australia lives on, and he continues to be remembered as a true champion of the sport.

Ken Irvine's achievements in rugby league have earned him a place amongst the game's immortals. He was a five-time Rugby League Week Player of the Year and won two premierships with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. In addition to his 31 Test appearances for Australia, Irvine also represented New South Wales in the interstate matches against Queensland on 20 occasions, scoring a total of 33 tries for his state. His speed and skill as a winger made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many young players who aspired to follow in his footsteps. Irvine was known for his humble demeanor off the field, and he remained a respected figure in the Rugby League community long after his playing career had ended. Today, Irvine's legacy lives on, and his record as the leading try-scorer in Australian Test rugby league history stands as a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport.

In addition to his accomplishments on the rugby field, Ken Irvine was also known for his contributions to society. He was a supporter of the Leukaemia Foundation, and his death from the disease led to the establishment of the Ken Irvine Memorial Trust Fund, which aims to support people affected by leukemia and other blood cancers. Irvine's legacy extends far beyond rugby league, and he is remembered as a generous and compassionate individual who made a positive impact on the world around him.

Ken Irvine's influence on Australian rugby league can still be seen today, with many players citing him as an inspiration and role model. His speed, skill, and scoring ability continue to be admired, and his legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport's history is secure. Ken Irvine will always be remembered as a true legend of rugby league, and his contributions to the sport and society will never be forgotten.

He died in leukemia.

Read more about Ken Irvine on Wikipedia »