Here are 1 famous musicians from Bosnia and Herzegovina died at 72:
Semka Sokolović-Bertok (December 22, 1935 Sarajevo-March 4, 2008 Zagreb) also known as Semka Sokolovic, Semka Sokolovic Bertok, Semca Sokolic or S. Sokolovic was a Bosnian actor and professional chess player.
Semka Sokolović-Bertok was born on December 22, 1935 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. After finishing primary school in Sarajevo, she attended the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb where she earned her acting degree. Sokolović-Bertok was a prominent figure in Yugoslav theatre, television, and film for over five decades. She is best known for her roles in the classic Yugoslav films such as "Hasanaginica", "Crveni i crni," "Ljubav i moda," "Kamenita vrata," and "Gravitacija".
Aside from being an accomplished actor, Sokolović-Bertok was also a dedicated professional chess player. She competed in chess tournaments throughout Yugoslavia and was considered one of the best female players in the country. In 1959, she won the Yugoslav Women's Chess Championship.
Sokolović-Bertok was a recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to the arts, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pula Film Festival in 1993. She passed away on March 4, 2008, in Zagreb, Croatia, as a result of a stroke, leaving behind a legacy as an accomplished and influential actor and chess player.
Sokolović-Bertok's career in acting spanned over five decades and included over 100 roles in theatre, film, and television. She was a member of the ensemble at the Zagreb Theatre, where she performed in numerous plays, including The Cherry Orchard, The Seagull, and The Lower Depths. Her film career began in the 1950s, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after actors in Yugoslavia. In addition to her work in film, Sokolović-Bertok also acted in several popular television shows, including The Renowned Magician, The Crime of the Century, and The Investigation.
Despite her success as an actor, Sokolović-Bertok never lost her passion for chess. She continued to compete in tournaments throughout Yugoslavia even after becoming famous, and she was well-respected in the chess community for her skill and dedication. In addition to her victory in the Yugoslav Women's Chess Championship in 1959, she also won several other awards and accolades for her contributions to the game.
Sokolović-Bertok was widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of her generation, and her work continues to inspire new generations of actors and performers. Her legacy stands as a testament to the power of art and the importance of pursuing one's passions.
In addition to her talents as an actor and chess player, Sokolović-Bertok was also fluent in several languages, including French, Italian, and English. She often used her linguistic abilities to further her career and starred in several international productions throughout her career. Despite her success, she remained grounded and committed to the development of the arts in her native Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was a mentor to countless young actors and was deeply involved in the promotion of cultural events in the region. Her contributions to the cultural life of the country were acknowledged in 2007 when she was awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska, one of the highest honors given by the Republic of Croatia for cultural achievements. Sokolović-Bertok's dedication to her craft and her community continues to be an inspiration to many today.
Throughout her career, Sokolović-Bertok also had a passion for educating and mentoring the next generation of actors. She was a professor of acting at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Zagreb, where she had studied herself, and she continued to teach there until her death. Many of her students went on to become successful actors and performers in their own right, and her legacy lives on through their work.
Sokolović-Bertok was also involved in social and political causes throughout her life. She was a prominent activist for women's rights and equality, and she spoke out against the corruption and injustice of the government during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her advocacy work earned her respect and admiration from many in her home country and beyond.
Despite facing many challenges and obstacles throughout her life, Sokolović-Bertok remained committed to her passions and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world. Her legacy as an actor, chess player, teacher, and activist continues to inspire and influence people today.
Sokolović-Bertok's impact on the arts and culture of the Balkan region was significant, and her influence was felt throughout the theater, film and television industries. Her work helped to bring international recognition to the talented artists of the region, and she remains a beloved figure in the hearts of many. In honor of her contributions to the arts, the Sarajevo City Council named a street in the city after her in 2017. Today, Sokolović-Bertok's legacy lives on through the many talented actors, filmmakers, and artists who continue to be inspired by her work and dedication to her craft.
She died as a result of stroke.
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