Pathetic Facts

Czech musicians died when they were 67

Here are 18 famous musicians from Czech Republic died at 67:

Ivan Martin Jirous

Ivan Martin Jirous (September 23, 1944 Humpolec-November 10, 2011 Prague) was a Czech personality.

He was best known as the artistic director of the Czech underground movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which was a response to the cultural suppression under the communist regime. Jirous was a poet, writer, and music critic who played a crucial role in promoting and organizing concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events that were banned by the authorities. Because of his involvement in the underground scene, he was imprisoned multiple times and spent a total of six years in jail. Jirous was also a close friend and collaborator of the famous Czech rock band, The Plastic People of the Universe, and helped to shape their distinctive sound and message. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, he was appointed as the head of the Czech cultural department and continued to be a leading figure in the Czech arts scene until his death in 2011.

Jirous was also known by the nickname "Magor," which translates to "madman" in English, due to his unconventional behavior and controversial opinions. He was a passionate advocate for artistic freedom and often clashed with the communist regime and its cultural policies. In addition to his role in the underground movement, Jirous was also a prolific writer, publishing several collections of poetry and essays on music and culture. He was a key figure in the formation of the Czech psychedelic and underground music scenes, and his legacy continues to influence artists and musicians in the country today. Despite his imprisonment and persecution, Jirous remained committed to his beliefs and his love of the arts, and his contributions to Czech culture have been widely celebrated.

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Władysław Młynek

Władysław Młynek (June 6, 1930 Hrádek-December 1, 1997 Návsí) was a Czech writer. He had one child, Halina Mlynkova.

Władysław Młynek was born in the town of Hrádek in the Czech Republic in 1930. He grew up during a difficult time in Eastern Europe, with the rise of Nazi Germany and then the Soviet Union's sphere of influence. Despite this, Młynek pursued a career as a writer and became known for his novels, short stories, and poems. He wrote in both Czech and Polish and was a prominent member of the Czech-Polish literary community.

Młynek's works often explored themes of identity, loss, and exile. One of his best-known works is the novel "Skokan" (The Jumper), which tells the story of a Czech man who flees to Poland after the communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. Like many of Młynek's works, "Skokan" is inspired by his own experiences as a refugee and an exile.

In addition to his writing, Młynek was also involved in cultural organizations and was a strong advocate for Polish-Czech cooperation. He had one child, Halina Mlynkova, who followed in his footsteps and became a successful singer and actress in the Czech Republic. Młynek passed away in 1997 in the town of Návsí, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important Czech-Polish writers of the 20th century.

During his lifetime, Władysław Młynek received several prestigious awards for his literary achievements. In 1965, he was awarded the Jan Masaryk Prize, and in 1985, he won the Jaroslav Seifert Prize for Literature. His works have been translated into several languages and have been well-received in Poland, the Czech Republic, and beyond. Młynek's literary contributions played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Czechoslovakia and Poland during his time, and his influence continues to be felt to this day. In his writing and activism, Młynek championed cross-cultural understanding and promoted the importance of art and literature in fostering dialogue and empathy.

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František Xaver Dušek

František Xaver Dušek (December 8, 1731 Czech Republic-February 12, 1799 Prague) also known as Frantisek Xaver Dusek or Dušek, František Xaver was a Czech pianist, harpsichordist and composer.

His discography includes: and František Xaver Dušek: Piano Concertos.

Prokop Diviš

Prokop Diviš (March 26, 1698 Helvíkovice-December 21, 1765 Znojmo) also known as Vaclav Prokop Divis, Dom Prokop Diviš, Václav Divíšek or Dom Prokop Diviš, O.Praem. was a Czech scientist and priest.

He is best known for his invention of the grounded lightning rod, which he called the "atmospheric conductor." Diviš also made significant contributions to the field of electricity and magnetism, and his experiments with static electricity earned him recognition as a pioneer in the field. In addition to his scientific pursuits, Diviš was a member of the Norbertine Order and served as the abbot of the Louka Abbey in Znojmo. He was well-respected by his contemporaries for his intellect and piety. Despite his significant contributions to science, Diviš's work was largely forgotten after his death, and it was not until the 20th century that he began to receive more recognition for his achievements. Today, he is remembered as an important figure in the history of science and a symbol of the close relationship between religion and scientific inquiry during the Enlightenment era.

Diviš's interest in science and electricity began early in his life. He studied at the University of Olomouc, where he became acquainted with the works of Isaac Newton and other prominent scientists of his time. Later, he traveled to Austria, Germany, and Italy to continue his education and research.

Diviš's most famous invention, the grounded lightning rod, was designed as a way to protect buildings from lightning strikes. His design involved attaching a metal cable to a grounded rod, which would carry the electrical charge from lightning safely to the ground. His invention was highly effective and significantly reduced the damage caused by lightning strikes.

In addition to his work with electricity, Diviš was also a skilled mathematician and astronomer. He worked with telescopes and used his knowledge of mathematics to make various astronomical calculations. He was also a prolific writer, producing several works on a wide range of topics, including mathematics, physics, theology, and history.

Despite his successes in the scientific community, Diviš remained dedicated to his religious calling throughout his life. He held several positions within the Norbertine Order, including serving as the abbot of the Louka Abbey in Znojmo for over 25 years. He was known for his piety and moral teachings and was highly respected by both his fellow clergy and the general public.

Today, Diviš's legacy continues to inspire scientists and theologians alike. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, and of the potential for science and religion to work together in pursuit of a common goal.

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František Graus

František Graus (December 14, 1921-May 1, 1989 Basel) was a Czech personality.

He was an important historian and archaeologist, known for his work in the field of medieval history. Graus conducted extensive research on the early history of Central Europe, specifically the Czech lands. He was a member of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences and served as the director of the Historical Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. Graus was also a professor at Charles University in Prague and the University of Regensburg in Germany. His most notable work is "Die Entstehung der deutschen Stadt," which explores the development of early German towns. Graus was awarded the State Prize of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic for his contributions to historical research.

In addition to his academic achievements, František Graus was also known for his resistance to the Nazi regime during World War II. He was a member of the Czech resistance movement and was imprisoned by the Gestapo for his activities. After the war, he became involved in politics and served as a member of the Czechoslovak parliament from 1948 to 1960. Graus was also a supporter of Czechoslovakia's democratization movement in the late 1980s, which ultimately led to the Velvet Revolution and the end of communist rule in the country. Despite his contributions to Czechoslovakia's political and cultural life, Graus was forced to emigrate after the Soviet Union's invasion in 1968. He spent the remainder of his life in Switzerland, where he continued to work on his research and writing.

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Jan Skácel

Jan Skácel (February 7, 1922-November 7, 1989) a.k.a. Jan Skacel was a Czech writer.

He was born in Sázava, Czechoslovakia and studied at Charles University in Prague. Skácel is best known for his poetry, which often dealt with themes of love, nature, and the human condition. He was a member of the creative group "Revolver" and wrote during the period of political and social upheaval in Czechoslovakia, including the Prague Spring and its aftermath. Skácel's works have been translated into several languages and he received numerous awards for his literary contributions. In addition to poetry, he also wrote prose, memoirs, and translated works from German and Russian into Czech. Skácel died on November 7, 1989 at the age of 67.

Skácel's poetry, which was deeply rooted in the Czech landscape and culture, was praised for its lyrical quality and emotional depth. His early works were influenced by the Czech poetry tradition, while his later works were more introspective and philosophical, dealing with themes of identity, memory, and mortality. Skácel's memoirs, such as "The Headless Rider" and "A Ballad of Love," reflected on his personal experiences during the tumultuous events of the 20th century in Czechoslovakia. As a translator, he introduced Czech readers to the works of German and Russian authors such as Rainer Maria Rilke and Marina Tsvetaeva. Skácel was awarded the state prizes for literature in 1969, 1974, and 1982, and in 2002 he was posthumously awarded the Franz Kafka Prize for his contributions to literature. Today, Skácel is regarded as one of the most significant Czech poets of the 20th century.

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Josef Kopta

Josef Kopta (June 16, 1894 Libochovice-April 3, 1962 Prague) was a Czech writer, journalist and screenwriter.

He was best known for his works that explored the themes of social injustice, political corruption and the struggles of the working class during the early 20th century. Kopta began his career as a journalist and later worked as a screenwriter for several film studios in Prague. He wrote the screenplays for a number of influential Czech films, including "The Bartered Bride" (1932) and "The Fateful Day" (1932).

Kopta also gained recognition as a prominent literary figure in the Czech Republic, publishing over 20 books during his lifetime. His works, including "The Underground City" (1928) and "Innocent Blood" (1933), were widely praised for their powerful and realistic depictions of life in Czechoslovakia.

During World War II, Kopta was active in the Czech resistance movement and used his position in the film industry to smuggle messages and information to resistance fighters. After the war, he continued to write and publish, and his legacy as an influential Czech writer endures to this day.

Kopta's writing often reflected his political views, and he was an outspoken critic of the communist regime that came to power in Czechoslovakia after World War II. In the early 1950s, he was briefly imprisoned for his political activities, and he was later blacklisted by the communist government. Despite this, Kopta continued to write and publish under a pseudonym until his death in 1962.

In addition to his literary and cinematic contributions, Kopta was also a respected cultural figure in Czechoslovakia. He was an avid art collector and patron, and his personal collection is now housed in the Kampa Museum in Prague.

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Jakub Auguston

Jakub Auguston (April 5, 1668-August 3, 1735) was a Czech personality.

He was a renowned painter and the particular interest in his work lay in his ability to make perspective drawings. Auguston was born in Prague, and he later moved to Italy, where he studied under various artists, including Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini. Auguston's artistic career flourished, and he became a member of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome in 1707. His work can be seen in various locations across Europe, including Prague Castle, where he painted the ceiling of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Auguston was also known for his architectural and decorative designs, for which he received various commissions from churches and palaces across Europe. Despite the success he had achieved, Auguston's life ended in tragedy when he fell from a scaffolding while painting a ceiling in Vienna and died from his injuries.

In addition to his artistic career, Jakub Auguston was also a respected art teacher. He took up a teaching position at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1720, where he taught perspective and architecture. Many of his pupils went on to have successful careers in the art world. Auguston was also a prolific writer, and he wrote a book titled "Arte di Jakub Auguston", which was published in 1728. This book was a treatise on painting, which discussed perspective and the use of colors. Auguston's contribution to the art world is still appreciated today, and his work is considered an important part of the Baroque period.

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Karel Matěj Čapek-Chod

Karel Matěj Čapek-Chod (February 21, 1860 Domažlice-November 3, 1927 Prague) also known as Karel Matej Capek-Chod was a Czech writer.

He was born into a wealthy family and was educated in Prague and Vienna. Čapek-Chod worked in journalism and wrote novels, short stories, and plays during his career. He also served as the director of the Prague National Theatre. Čapek-Chod was known for his social and cultural criticism in his writing and his support of Czech independence from Austria-Hungary. He was a prominent figure in Czech literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Čapek-Chod's most famous novel is "Fate," which explores the lives of the Czech lower classes.

Additionally, Čapek-Chod was a champion of women's rights and advocated for the education and empowerment of women in Czech society. His work often addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, and oppression, and he used his platform as a writer and journalist to raise awareness about these issues. Čapek-Chod was also a prominent member of the Czech literary group, The Golden Ring, which included other notable Czech writers such as Jaroslav Vrchlický and Josef Svatopluk Machar. Despite his contributions to Czech literature and society, Čapek-Chod's work has been overshadowed by that of his younger brother, Karel Čapek, who is more widely known and celebrated today. Nonetheless, Čapek-Chod's legacy has continued to inspire Czech writers and activists throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Richard Bienert

Richard Bienert (September 5, 1881 Prague-February 2, 1949 Prague) was a Czech politician.

He was one of the founders of the Czechoslovak People's Party, a political organization devoted to promoting the interests of the Czech and Slovak people. Bienert was known for his advocacy of social justice and his support for the working class. He served as the Minister of Health and Social Affairs under Czechoslovakia's first president, Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, and later became the Minister of Interior. During his tenure as Minister of Interior, he oversaw the arrest and imprisonment of Czechoslovakia's Communist Party leaders in 1929. Despite being a staunch opponent of Communism, Bienert was also critical of the authoritarian tendencies of other political movements in Czechoslovakia, including the fascist National Socialist party. After the country was invaded by Nazi Germany in 1939, Bienert was arrested and spent World War II in various concentration camps. He died shortly after the war, in 1949.

During his time in politics, Bienert was widely respected for his integrity and his commitment to the democratic principles of the Czechoslovak state. He was known for his intelligence and his ability to maintain composure in difficult situations. Outside of politics, Bienert was also a respected lawyer and legal scholar, and he played a prominent role in shaping the legal framework of the new Czechoslovakian state. Despite his political differences with the Communists, Bienert was supportive of workers' rights, and he was instrumental in establishing the country's first labor laws. His legacy is still felt in Czech politics today, and he is remembered as a tireless advocate for the rights and welfare of all Czechoslovakians.

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Jaroslav Borzita of Martinice

Jaroslav Borzita of Martinice (January 6, 1582-November 21, 1649 Prague) was a Czech personality.

He was a diplomat, writer, and scholar who served as the imperial envoy to the Ottoman Empire, where he was also held captive for several years. Borzita was known for his intellectual pursuits and was a member of various scientific and literary societies. He wrote several works on history, politics, and ethics, including "Rerum Moraviae Historica" and "Magna Moravia." He was also a patron of the arts and music, and supported many artists and musicians, including the famous Czech composer Heinrich Biber. Borzita's legacy continues to live on in Czech history and culture.

Additionally, Borzita was a prominent figure during the Thirty Years' War, serving as a representative of the Habsburgs at the negotiations leading up to the Peace of Westphalia. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Jesuit College in Olomouc, which became a center of learning and culture in Moravia. Borzita was highly respected by his contemporaries for his intelligence, diplomatic abilities, and dedication to the arts and sciences. His writings and patronage helped to shape the cultural landscape of the Czech Republic during a time of great political and social upheaval.

Jiří Kodet

Jiří Kodet (December 6, 1937 Prague-June 25, 2005 Prague) also known as J. Kodet, Jiøí Kodet or Jirí Kodet was a Czech actor. His children are called Barbora Kodetová, Ian Kodet and Karolína Kodetová.

Jiří Kodet was a highly respected Czech actor, known for his dynamic range and captivating performances. He was a multi-talented individual whose career spanned over several decades. In addition to being an actor, he was also a notable voice actor, director, and teacher. He began his professional acting career as a member of the avant-garde theater group, The Theatre on a String.

Kodet was praised for his stage presence and his ability to bring complex characters to life. He performed in numerous productions at a number of theaters, including the National Theatre in Prague, where he was a permanent member of the ensemble. He was also known for his work in film and television, appearing in many popular Czech films and TV shows.

In addition to his extensive acting work, Kodet was also a respected teacher of acting. He taught at the Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and helped to train countless aspiring actors. He was known for his passion for teaching and for his ability to inspire his students.

Kodet was a beloved figure in Czech culture and his contributions to the arts will not be forgotten. He is survived by his three children and his legacy as an actor and teacher continues to inspire others in the field.

Throughout his career, Jiří Kodet gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. He was awarded several notable honors, including the title of National Artist and a Medal of Merit from the President of the Czech Republic. He was also acknowledged for his contributions to the arts with a Star on the Prague Walk of Fame.

Jiří Kodet was known for his commitment to promoting Czech culture and supporting artistic expression, both through his performances and his involvement in several cultural organizations. He was a member of the Union of Czech Actors and served as the Chairman of the Council of the Arts.

Kodet was also a prominent voice actor and lent his voice to several Czech-language dubs of popular animated series and films, including Disney's "The Lion King" and "Hercules."

Even after his passing, Jiří Kodet's influence and legacy continue to inspire aspiring actors and artists in the Czech Republic and throughout the world.

He died caused by cancer.

Read more about Jiří Kodet on Wikipedia »

Jan Hertl

Jan Hertl (January 23, 1929-May 14, 1996) was a Czech personality.

He is best known for his contributions in the field of sports, particularly football. Hertl was a football coach, sports commentator, and sports journalist throughout his career. He was also a popular television personality in Czechoslovakia, hosting various sports programs that garnered high ratings.

Hertl was born in Prague and began his coaching career with the youth team of Sparta Prague. He then moved on to coach various professional teams in Czechoslovakia, winning several championships and leading his teams to numerous victories. In addition to coaching, Hertl was also a respected sports journalist, writing for several prominent publications.

Jan Hertl was a well-respected figure throughout Czechoslovakia, and his contributions to the world of sports have left a lasting legacy.

Hertl's achievements and dedication to the sport have earned him multiple accolades, including the title of Coach of the Year in 1965. He was also recognized with the Order of the Red Banner of Labor for his contributions to sports journalism.

In addition to his work in sports, Hertl was also an active supporter of the Velvet Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the communist government in Czechoslovakia. He used his platform as a popular television personality to speak out against the government and support the movement.

Hertl passed away in 1996 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in Czech football and sports journalism. His passion for the game and dedication to his craft continue to inspire aspiring coaches and journalists in the Czech Republic and beyond.

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Hugo Haas

Hugo Haas (February 18, 1901 Brno-December 1, 1968 Vienna) was a Czech actor, writer, film director, screenwriter, film producer and television director.

Haas began his career as a teacher before moving to Prague to become an actor in the 1920s. He went on to appear in numerous Czech films before emigrating to the United States in 1939 to escape the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. In Hollywood, Haas starred in several films and established himself as a prolific director, often working on low-budget productions with a film noir aesthetic. He is best known for his work on the films "Pickup" (1951) and "The Other Woman" (1954). In his later years, Haas returned to Europe and worked on television productions in West Germany and Austria. Despite his success, Haas struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life.

Haas' directorial works often dealt with dark and controversial themes such as infidelity, murder, and sexual obsession. His films were not always well received critically, but they developed a cult following in later years. Haas was also a prolific writer, penning several novels and plays throughout his career. He was married twice, his first marriage to actress Hedy Lamarr ending in 1948. In addition to his work in entertainment, Haas was also a keen art collector and owned a significant collection of Old Masters paintings. Despite his struggles with mental health and addiction, Hugo Haas left behind a lasting legacy in the world of cinema, with his films still being studied and appreciated today.

He died in asthma.

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Anton Depauly

Anton Depauly (June 7, 1798 Mies-April 27, 1866 Stříbro) was a Czech personality.

Anton Depauly was a renowned Czech philosopher, theologian, and educator. After receiving his education in Prague, he became a professor of theology at the Charles University in Prague. He was known for his contributions to the study of philosophy and his advocacy for modernizing Czech education. Depauly also served as the rector of the university in 1843-44. His ideas and teachings had a significant impact on the development of Czech national identity, and he is considered one of the most influential Czech intellectuals of the 19th century. In addition to his academic work, Depauly was also involved in public life and served as a member of the Bohemian Landtag, the regional parliament of Bohemia.

Furthermore, Anton Depauly was one of the founders of the Czech Sokol movement, which aimed to promote physical fitness and national identity among the Czech people. He also contributed several works to the Encyclopedia of the Bohemian Kingdom, a significant academic achievement of the time. Depauly maintained a close relationship with František Palacký, another prominent Czech intellectual and politician of the time, and the two worked together to promote nationalist ideals and the Czech language. Depauly's legacy is still visible today in the Czech Republic, where several universities and institutions bear his name. Additionally, his ideas and teachings continue to inspire and influence educators and philosophers in the country.

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Helena Růžičková

Helena Růžičková (June 13, 1936 Prague-January 4, 2004 Pilsen) a.k.a. Helena Ruzickova or H. Ruzicková was a Czech actor. She had one child, Jiří Růžička.

Helena Růžičková began her acting career as a child actress and went on to become a prominent star in Czechoslovakia. She appeared in numerous films and television shows including "The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians" and "The Incredibly Sad Princess". In addition to her acting career, Růžičková was also a trained stage actress and performed in numerous plays throughout her career. Růžičková was also a prominent voice actress, lending her voice to numerous animated films including the Czech version of Disney's "The Little Mermaid". She was awarded the prestigious title of Meritorious Artist by the Czech government in recognition of her contributions to the performing arts.

Additionally, Helena Růžičková was known for her philanthropic work, particularly her efforts to promote and support the education of children. She was a strong advocate for giving all children access to quality education, and co-founded the Foundation for Children in Need to support this cause. Růžičková was also known for her activism and outspokenness against the communist government in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite facing censorship and persecution from the government, Růžičková continued to speak out for human rights and democracy. Her legacy in Czech theater and film continues to be celebrated, and the Helena Růžičková Award, established in her honor, recognizes outstanding contributions to Czech theater.

She died as a result of stomach cancer.

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Jiří Adamíra

Jiří Adamíra (April 2, 1926 Dobrovice-August 14, 1993 Prague) also known as Jirí Adamíra was a Czech actor.

Adamíra began his acting career in theater before transitioning into film and television. He appeared in over 60 films throughout his career, including the acclaimed film Shop on Main Street, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1966. Adamíra was known for portraying complex and emotionally charged characters, often in dramatic roles that showcased his range as an actor. He also made regular appearances on Czech television, including in popular series such as F.L. Vek and Hradiste. Despite battling cancer in his later years, Adamíra continued to work on film and television projects until his death in 1993. His contributions to Czech cinema and theater have cemented his legacy as one of the country's most celebrated actors.

In addition to his acting career, Jirí Adamíra was also active in the Czech theater community, performing in many notable productions throughout his career. He was a member of the National Theatre in Prague, where he starred in both classic and contemporary plays. Adamíra was a versatile performer, with a talent for both comedy and drama. He was known for his ability to fully embody his characters and bring depth and nuance to his performances. In recognition of his contributions to Czech culture, Adamíra was awarded the prestigious National Artist award in 1983. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential and respected actors in Czech film and theater history.

He died in spinal cancer.

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Josef Korbel

Josef Korbel (September 20, 1909 Letohrad-July 18, 1977 Denver) was a Czech politician, professor and diplomat. He had three children, Madeleine Albright, Katherine Korbelová and John Korbelová.

Korbel was a prominent figure in the Czech foreign policy establishment in the interwar period, serving as a diplomat and as a member of the Czechoslovak parliament. After the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, he fled to London where he became a member of the Czechoslovak government-in-exile. After World War II, he returned to Czechoslovakia to serve in the new communist government, but eventually became disillusioned with the regime and defected to the United States in 1948.

In the US, Korbel became a professor of international relations at the University of Denver and played a key role in shaping the school's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, which is named in his honor. He also served as a consultant to various US government agencies on foreign policy matters.

Korbel's daughter Madeleine Albright followed in his footsteps, becoming a prominent figure in US foreign policy and serving as Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton.

Korbel was born into a Jewish family in what is now the Czech Republic. He initially studied law at Charles University in Prague but later switched his focus to international relations. Early in his career, he served as a secretary to Czechoslovak president Edvard Benes and was involved in the negotiations leading up to the Munich Agreement in 1938. Korbel was a strong opponent of Nazi Germany and worked to bring attention to the plight of Czechoslovakia in the international community.

During his time in the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, Korbel served as the spokesman for the government's foreign policy. He also represented Czechoslovakia in negotiations with the Soviet Union, which would later become a significant factor in his defection to the US.

Korbel's academic career in the US was marked by a focus on international law and human rights issues. He was a vocal advocate for the creation of an international criminal court and was involved in drafting the UN Declaration of Human Rights. In addition to his role at the University of Denver, he also held academic positions at Columbia University and Georgetown University.

Korbel's legacy as a scholar and diplomat was cemented by the establishment of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies in 1964. The school has produced numerous graduates who have gone on to serve in high-level government positions and international organizations.

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