Pathetic Facts

Belgian music stars who deceased at age 73

Here are 26 famous musicians from Belgium died at 73:

André Franquin

André Franquin (January 3, 1924 Etterbeek-January 5, 1997 Saint-Laurent-du-Var) also known as Andre Franquin, A Franquin or Franquin was a Belgian cartoonist, screenwriter and comics artist.

He is considered one of the greatest cartoonists of all time and is best known for his work on the comic strip series Spirou et Fantasio, which he worked on from 1947 to 1969. He also created the iconic character Gaston Lagaffe, a lazy and bumbling office worker, who has become a beloved cultural figure in Europe. Franquin's style was known for its humor, detailed artwork and expressive characters. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary cartoonists and animators. Despite battling depression and health issues throughout his life, Franquin remained an active and prolific artist until his death in 1997 at the age of 73.

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Eugène Joseph Delporte

Eugène Joseph Delporte (January 10, 1882 Belgium-October 19, 1955 Uccle) also known as Eugene Joseph Delporte was a Belgian scientist and astronomer.

He is known for his work in the field of celestial mechanics and astronomy, particularly in the calculation of orbits of comets and asteroids. Delporte was also the chief astronomer at the Royal Observatory of Belgium for many years.

Delporte was passionate about astronomy from a young age and began his studies in mathematics and astronomy at the Université libre de Bruxelles at the age of 16. In 1905, he joined the Royal Observatory of Belgium where he would spend most of his career. Delporte's work on the calculations of asteroid and comet orbits resulted in the publication of the "Catalogue des étoiles et des planètes aux positions moyennes pour l'époque 1950" (Catalogue of Stars and Planets at Mean Positions for the Epoch 1950), which is still widely used today.

Delporte's legacy also includes a large number of astronomical observations and discoveries, including the discovery of the asteroid 1221 Amor in 1932. He was also a member of the International Astronomical Union and received numerous awards for his contributions to the field.

Constantin Meunier

Constantin Meunier (April 12, 1831 Etterbeek-April 4, 1905 Brussels) a.k.a. Constantin Emile Meunier was a Belgian artist and visual artist.

He studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and began his artistic career as a sculptor, though he later became interested in painting and drawing as well. Meunier focused on depicting the working class and the industrial landscape of Belgium, often creating powerful and emotive pieces. He was heavily influenced by the social realist movement and his work is characterized by its realism and attention to detail.

Meunier's sculptures were widely popular, with many of his pieces being commissioned as public art. He helped to establish the Belgian school of realism and was highly regarded in his native country as well as abroad. In addition to his art, Meunier was a committed social activist and advocated for workers' rights.

Today, Meunier's work can be seen in several prominent museums and galleries, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels and the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. His legacy as an artist and social commentator continues to inspire new generations.

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Luis Siret

Luis Siret (August 26, 1860 Belgium-June 7, 1934) was a Belgian scientist.

Luis Siret was a prominent Belgian archaeologist and mining engineer, who spent much of his life studying the archaeology and mining techniques of Spain. He is best known for his extensive excavations and studies of the ancient Iberian cultures, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia. Siret's work was foundational in shedding light on the prehistoric and historic mining and metallurgical practices in Spain. He also conducted detailed studies of the local pottery, architecture and art. Siret published many scientific papers on these topics and his research continues to be an important reference point for scholars in the field. In recognition of his significant contributions to the study of Spanish archaeology, Siret was awarded the Cross of Alfonso XII and made an honorary member of the Spanish Royal Academy of History.

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Radu Bălescu

Radu Bălescu (July 18, 1932 Bucharest-June 1, 2006) a.k.a. Radu Balescu was a Belgian scientist.

He was born in Bucharest, Romania and later moved to Belgium where he earned a Ph.D. in physics from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Balescu was known for his contributions to the field of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, particularly for his work on the theory of transport processes in plasmas and the kinetic theory of gases. He authored over 350 scientific papers and several books, including "Equilibrium and Non-equilibrium Statistical Mechanics" which is considered a seminal work in the field. Balescu also served as a professor of physics at the Université Libre de Bruxelles where he mentored numerous students and fellow scientists.

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Félix Goblet d'Alviella

Félix Goblet d'Alviella (May 26, 1884 Ixelles-July 2, 1957 Brussels) was a Belgian scientist. He had one child, Jean Goblet d'Alviella.

Félix Goblet d'Alviella was a prominent chemist and mineralogist who made significant contributions to the field of geology. He received his education in Belgium and Germany, and went on to become a professor of mineralogy and geology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Goblet d'Alviella was particularly interested in studying the geochemistry of minerals and rocks, and he conducted extensive research on the mineralogy of Belgium and other European countries. He was also involved in the discovery and analysis of several new mineral species.

Aside from his work in geology and mineralogy, Goblet d'Alviella was also a passionate collector of art and antiques. He amassed a large collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects, which he housed in a private museum in Brussels.

Goblet d'Alviella was widely respected in the scientific community, and he received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He was a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the Royal Academy of Belgium and the Geological Society of London.

Paul-Henri Spaak

Paul-Henri Spaak (January 25, 1899 Schaerbeek-July 31, 1972 Braine-l'Alleud) also known as Paul Henri Charles Spaak was a Belgian personality. His children are Marie Marguerite Spaak, Antoinette Spaak and Fernand Spaak.

Paul-Henri Spaak was a prominent figure in Belgian and European politics. He served as the Prime Minister of Belgium twice, first from 1938 to 1939 and then from 1946 to 1949. He was also the Foreign Minister of Belgium from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 to 1946.

Spaak played a key role in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor of the European Union. In 1957, he was elected the first President of the newly formed European Parliament.

In addition to his political career, Spaak was also a writer and journalist. He wrote several books on politics and international relations, including his memoirs, which were published in 1969.

Spaak was awarded numerous honors and awards throughout his lifetime, including the prestigious Karlspreis award for his contributions to European integration. He passed away in 1972 at the age of 73.

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Joseph Mermans

Joseph Mermans (February 16, 1922 Merksem-January 20, 1996 Essen) was a Belgian personality.

He was a renowned artist and painter who specialized in the expressionist style. Mermans served in the Belgian army during World War II and was captured by German forces. He spent two years as a prisoner of war, an experience that greatly impacted his art. After the war, he studied art in Antwerp and started exhibiting his work in galleries all over Europe. Mermans' paintings are known for their bold use of color, thick brushstrokes, and emotional themes. He gained international recognition for his contributions to the expressionist movement and was honored with numerous awards for his work in the arts. In addition to his painting, Mermans was also a respected art teacher who helped guide many young artists in their careers. He passed away in 1996 and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

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Jef Planckaert

Jef Planckaert (May 4, 1934 Poperinge-May 22, 2007) was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist.

He turned professional in 1957 and during his career, he won several important races including the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Tours and the Omloop Het Volk. Planckaert was also known for his excellent sprinting abilities and won many races through this skill. He competed in the Tour de France nine times and finished third place overall in 1962. After retiring from professional cycling, he became a team manager and guided his son, Eddy Planckaert, to victory in the Paris-Brussels race. Jef Planckaert was known for his hard work and determination on the bike and was a beloved figure in Belgian cycling.

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Georges Lebacq

Georges Lebacq (September 26, 1876 Jemappes-August 4, 1950 Bruges) was a Belgian personality.

He is best known for being a painter and a key figure of the Belgian artistic community during the first half of the 20th century. Lebacq's artistic style was greatly influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, and he was known for his use of vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes. He was also a respected art critic and writer, and his essays and reviews were published in various Belgian and French art journals. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Lebacq was also a prominent member of the Belgian resistance during World War II. He played an active role in the underground movement, helping to shelter and smuggle Jewish refugees out of the country. Despite being arrested and interrogated several times by the Gestapo, he managed to avoid imprisonment and continued to support the resistance until the end of the war.

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Eduard Lassen

Eduard Lassen (April 13, 1830 Copenhagen-January 15, 1904 Weimar) was a Belgian conductor.

Eduard Lassen was born in Copenhagen, to musical parents, and showed signs of musical genius from an early age. He was a pianist, composer, and conductor, and worked in some of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe. He became the conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1865, and went on to conduct the Berlin State Opera, and the Royal Opera in Copenhagen. He was also a close collaborator of the composer Franz Liszt, and conducted the Weimar court orchestra, which was conducted by Liszt during this time. Lassen was also a prolific composer, and wrote many works for the stage, as well as choral music and songs. His legacy as a conductor is still felt today, as many of his recordings are still available, and his reputation as a skilled conductor and musician remains undiminished.

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Hector Martin

Hector Martin (December 26, 1898 Roeselare-August 9, 1972 Roeselare) was a Belgian personality.

He was a prominent journalist, writer, and editor. Throughout his career, he wrote for several newspapers and magazines, including "De Standaard" and "Tijd en Taak". He was also a prolific author, having written several books on a wide range of topics, including history, politics, and language.

In addition to his writing career, Hector Martin was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Christian Social Party and served as a member of parliament for several years. During his time in parliament, he focused on issues related to education and culture.

Hector Martin was known for his sharp intellect and quick wit. He was highly regarded by his colleagues in the media and politics and was widely recognized for his contributions to Belgian society.

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François Neuville

François Neuville (November 24, 1912-April 12, 1986) was a Belgian personality.

He was a renowned economist and politician who served as the Minister of Economic Affairs in the Belgian government from 1966-68. Neuville played a crucial role in the modernization of the Belgian economy during the post-World War II era.

In addition to his work in government, Neuville was a professor of economics at the Université Catholique de Louvain, where he made significant contributions to the field of monetary economics. He was particularly known for his research on inflation and his advocacy for a more flexible exchange rate system.

On the political front, Neuville was a member of the Christian Social Party and was known for his strong advocacy for social justice and the welfare state. He also served as a member of the European Parliament from 1971-73.

Neuville passed away on April 12, 1986, leaving behind a legacy as one of Belgium's greatest economists and political leaders.

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Louis Proost

Louis Proost (April 7, 1935 Halle-February 3, 2009) was a Belgian personality.

He was a well-known journalist, writer, and television presenter in Belgium. Proost started his career in 1957 as a journalist for the Flemish weekly "t Pallieterke. Later, he wrote for several newspapers, including "De Standaard" and "De Nieuwe Gazet." In the 1960s and 1970s, he hosted many popular television shows such as "Open Kijk," "Binnen en Buiten," and "Morgen Maandag." He was also a prolific writer and published several books, including collections of his television scripts and political essays. Proost was known for his strong opinions and witty commentary on current affairs. He remained a popular figure in Belgian media until his death in 2009.

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Nicaise de Keyser

Nicaise de Keyser (August 26, 1813 Zandvliet-July 17, 1887 Antwerp) was a Belgian artist and visual artist.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and became a professor there later in his career. His focus was on historical and religious subjects, and he gained international recognition for his paintings. In addition to his painting, de Keyser was also involved in the restoration of several historic buildings in Antwerp. He was a member of the Royal Academy of Science, Literature and Fine Arts of Belgium and his work can be found in museums and private collections throughout Europe.

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Jules Vandenpeereboom

Jules Vandenpeereboom (March 18, 1843 Kortrijk-March 6, 1917 Anderlecht) was a Belgian personality.

He was a lawyer and politician who served as the 20th Prime Minister of Belgium from 1899 to 1900. Vandenpeereboom was born in Kortrijk and studied law at the Catholic University of Leuven. He joined the liberal party and became a member of the Chamber of Representatives in 1870. Known for his advocacy of social and religious reforms, he was a key figure in the establishment of the Belgian labor legislation. Vandenpeereboom also served as the Minister of Justice and Interior Affairs, and as the President of the Chamber of Representatives. After his term as prime minister, he retired from politics and became a professor of law and a member of the Belgian Council of State. Vandenpeereboom was known for his intellectual capacity and his strong commitment to democracy, human rights, and social justice. He was considered one of the most significant figures in Belgian politics of his time.

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Paul Janson

Paul Janson (April 11, 1840 Herstal-April 19, 1913 Brussels) was a Belgian politician. He had one child, Marie Janson.

Paul Janson was a prominent and influential figure in Belgian politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a lawyer and an active member of the Belgian Socialist Party, and he played a key role in shaping the party's policies and strategies. Janson served as a member of the Belgian Parliament from 1878 until 1913, and was a major advocate for social and economic reform.

During his long career, Janson championed a variety of causes, including workers' rights, universal suffrage, and the welfare of children and the elderly. He played a key role in the creation of the Belgian National Railway Company, and was instrumental in passing legislation that protected workers from unfair treatment and dangerous working conditions. Janson was also a vocal opponent of colonialism, and worked to promote greater equality and freedom for the people of Belgian Congo.

In addition to his political work, Janson was a prolific writer and lecturer. He authored several books on political and social topics, and was a sought-after speaker at conferences and symposia throughout Europe. He was widely respected for his intelligence, his dedication to social justice, and his tireless advocacy on behalf of the Belgian people. Today, Janson is remembered as one of the most influential and consequential politicians of his era, and his legacy continues to inspire social and political activists around the world.

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Jean-Luc Dehaene

Jean-Luc Dehaene (August 7, 1940 Montpellier-May 15, 2014 Quimper) was a Belgian personality.

Dehaene was known for his extensive political career in Belgium. He served as the Prime Minister of Belgium from 1992 to 1999 and also held various other government positions, including Minister of Social Affairs and Institutional Reform. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he played a key role in the creation and implementation of several significant economic and social reforms in Belgium. Dehaene was also a member of the European Parliament, serving as its Vice President from 1994 to 1995. In 2013, he was appointed as the Special Envoy of the European Union for the Great Lakes region of Africa.

He died as a result of falling.

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Marthe Cnockaert

Marthe Cnockaert (October 28, 1892 Westrozebeke-January 8, 1966 Westrozebeke) also known as Martha Cnockhaert McKenna, Marthe McKenna or Marthe Mathilde Cnockaert was a Belgian writer.

She was particularly known for her novel "De man uit het Noorden" which was published in 1951. Born in the village of Westrozebeke, Marthe grew up in a family of farmers. She was educated at a convent school and later studied at the University of Ghent. In 1923, she married the American journalist and writer Robert McKenna and moved with him to the United States. There she began her career as a writer, publishing articles and short stories in American magazines. With her husband, she co-wrote the book "A Table in Provence" which was published in 1948. After her husband's death in 1959, Marthe returned to her native Belgium where she lived until her death in 1966.

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Violetta Villas

Violetta Villas (June 10, 1938 Verviers-December 5, 2011 Lewin Kłodzki) also known as Czesława Maria Gospodarek, mlle. Villas, VV, Czeslawa Cieslak, Czeslawa Cieslak-Gospodarek, Czeslawa Maria Cieslak, Czesława Gospodarek, the voice of the atomic age, the singing toast of the continent, a voice like French champagne or Viola was a Belgian singer, actor, songwriter and composer. She had one child, Krzysztof Gospodarek.

Her discography includes: To comfort the heart and warmth the soul, Christmas carols from heart, When Jesus Christus was born..., The most beautiful Christmas carols, There is no love without jealousy, About Love..., Dolly, Valentine hits, Mundial'86 and For mum. Genres she performed: Traditional pop music, Opera, Operatic pop, Torch song and Jazz.

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Jan Camiel Willems

Jan Camiel Willems (September 18, 1939 Bruges-August 31, 2013) was a Belgian personality.

He was widely known for his contributions in the field of Flemish culture, and was a writer, journalist, and television presenter. Willems started his career in journalism in the 1960s, working for various newspapers and magazines in Belgium. He then moved on to television, where he became a popular presenter in the 1970s, hosting various shows such as "In de Rooie Haan" and "Dag Sinterklaas." Willems was also an accomplished writer, publishing several books on Belgian history and culture. In his later years, he focused on promoting Flemish culture, and was recognized for his efforts with various awards, including the Flemish Community Culture Prize. Willems passed away in 2013 at the age of 73.

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Marcel Mariën

Marcel Mariën (April 29, 1920 Antwerp-September 19, 1993) also known as Marcel Marien was a Belgian personality.

He was a surrealist artist, poet, writer, filmmaker, and one of the central figures of the Belgian Surrealist movement. Mariën was a close friend of the famous Belgian artist René Magritte and collaborated with him on several projects. He was also a founding member of the Belgian Revolutionary Surrealist Group, which aimed to connect art with politics and revolution. Mariën's artistic output was characterized by his love of absurdity, black humor, and political satire. He wrote several books of poetry, essays, and novels, including "L'Activité surréaliste en Belgique" and "Les temps morts." Additionally, he directed a number of experimental films, including "L'Imitation du cinéma" and "Le Sujet de l'oeuvre." Despite his contributions to the artistic world, Mariën remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, always challenging traditional notions of art and expression.

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Louisa Lausanne

Louisa Lausanne (April 5, 1891 Antwerp-April 5, 1964 Antwerp) otherwise known as Louise Lausanne or Maria Ludovica Verbeeck was a Belgian actor.

She began her career as a stage actor and performed extensively in Belgium, France, and England. Lausanne was known for her exceptional range and talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. She showcased her acting prowess in films such as "Le Chemin de la Vérité" (1931) and "La Symphonie fantastique" (1942).

Aside from acting, Lausanne was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. She was a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where she studied under the guidance of the renowned artist Franz Courtens. Many of her paintings and sculptures are still exhibited in galleries and museums in Belgium today.

Throughout her career, Lausanne remained a beloved figure in the Belgian entertainment industry. She was known for her generosity and kindness towards fellow actors and artists, and her legacy lives on as an inspiration to many in the industry.

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Charles Graux

Charles Graux (January 4, 1837 Brussels-January 22, 1910 Ixelles) was a Belgian politician.

He was a member of the Liberal Party and served as a member of parliament, representing the constituency of Brussels from 1884 to 1892 and again from 1896 until his death. Graux also held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance from 1899 to 1907. He was known for his support of free trade and his advocacy for the modernization of the Belgian economy. Graux was highly respected in Belgian politics and was regarded as a skilled negotiator and diplomat. He played an important role in negotiating trade agreements with other European countries and was involved in efforts to stabilize the Belgian economy following a period of financial instability in the late 19th century. Graux's contributions to Belgian politics and economics continue to be remembered and recognized by historians and scholars today.

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Henri Baels

Henri Baels (January 18, 1878 Ostend-June 18, 1951 Knokke) was a Belgian personality. His child is Lilian, Princess of Réthy.

Henri Baels was a prominent Belgian politician who served as the Governor of West Flanders from 1926 until 1944. He was a member of the Catholic Party and held various other political positions such as serving as a member of the Belgian Senate. Baels was also a businessman who owned a successful brewery in Bruges. During World War II, he refused to collaborate with the German occupiers and went into hiding for several months. After the war, he was briefly imprisoned but was released due to a lack of evidence of collaboration. Baels remained active in politics until his death in 1951. His daughter, Lilian, went on to marry King Leopold III of Belgium and became known as Princess de Réthy.

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Maurice Destenay

Maurice Destenay (February 18, 1900 Saint-Nicolas, Belgium-September 1, 1973 Liège) was a Belgian politician.

He was a member of the Belgian Socialist Party and served as Minister of Communications, of Public Works, and of Transport. Destenay was known for his strong advocacy for workers' rights and for his dedication to improving the country's infrastructure through investments in roads and public transportation. He played a key role in the nationalization of the Belgian coal industry and helped establish the state-owned airline Sabena. Destenay was also a member of the European Parliament and served as President of the European Coal and Steel Community from 1955 to 1956. He was awarded the Order of Leopold, Belgium's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions to the country.

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