Czech musicians died when they were 75
Here are 16 famous musicians from Czech Republic died at 75:
Václav Havel
Václav Havel (October 5, 1936 Prague-December 18, 2011 Vlčice) a.k.a. Vaclav Havel or President Vaclav Havel was a Czech playwright, writer, politician, author, poet and peace activist.
Havel was a prominent figure in the Velvet Revolution, which led to the overthrow of communist rule in Czechoslovakia in 1989. He later served as the first democratically elected president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992 and as the first president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003. Havel was known for his commitment to human rights, democracy, and freedom, as well as his work as a playwright and author. Some of his most famous plays include "The Garden Party," "The Memorandum," and "Largo Desolato." He also wrote several books, including "The Power of the Powerless" and "Disturbing the Peace." In recognition of his contributions to literature and human rights, Havel received numerous honors and awards over the course of his career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States in 2003.
Havel was born into a wealthy family and grew up amidst the tumultuous political climate of Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. He studied at Charles University in Prague but was expelled in 1951 for his political activities. Havel later worked as a laboratory assistant and wrote plays in his free time. His plays were initially banned by the communist regime, but they gained popularity in underground circles.
Havel's political activism continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and he became a leading figure in the Czech opposition movement. He was imprisoned multiple times for his views and spent a total of five years in jail. Despite this, he remained committed to nonviolent resistance and peaceful protest.
After the Velvet Revolution, Havel was elected president of Czechoslovakia in December 1989. He oversaw the country's transition to a democratic government and played a key role in the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Havel then became the first president of the newly formed Czech Republic.
Throughout his life, Havel served as a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy around the world. He was a strong supporter of the Tibetan independence movement and met with the Dalai Lama on several occasions. He also founded the Forum 2000 conference, which brings together political and cultural leaders to discuss pressing global issues.
Havel's legacy continues to inspire activists and advocates for human rights and democracy around the world.
He died as a result of respiratory failure.
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Otto Eisler
Otto Eisler (June 1, 1893 Bystřice nad Pernštejnem-July 27, 1968 Brno) was a Czech personality.
He was known for his political activities, serving as a member of the Czechoslovak government during World War II and later becoming a prominent communist leader in post-war Czechoslovakia. Eisler was also a journalist, writer, and translator, and actively participated in the cultural and intellectual life of Czechoslovakia. He was a strong advocate of Marxist philosophy and principles, and played a significant role in the development and spread of communist ideas in the country. Despite being imprisoned and exiled several times during his career, Otto Eisler remained committed to his political ideologies till the end of his life, and his legacy continues to inspire many in the Czech Republic and beyond.
Eisler started his political career as a member of the Social Democratic Party, but eventually, he joined the Communist Party and became one of its leading figures. During World War II, he served in the Czechoslovak government-in-exile in London, where he actively campaigned for the Soviet Union and its war efforts against Nazi Germany. After the war, Eisler returned to Czechoslovakia and held several key positions in the Communist Party and the government. He helped establish the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia and played a significant role in shaping the country's political and economic direction.
Apart from his political activities, Eisler was also a prolific writer and journalist. He wrote extensively on political and social issues, as well as translated works of Marxist and socialist authors into Czech. Throughout his life, he remained an ardent supporter of internationalism and the idea of a global communist revolution.
Eisler's political activities eventually led to his imprisonment and exile. He spent several years in prison and labor camps during the 1950s and was eventually exiled to East Germany, where he spent the rest of his life. Despite his exile, Eisler remained an influential figure in Czechoslovakia and continued to promote communist ideals through his writings and speeches.
Today, Otto Eisler is remembered as one of the most prominent communist leaders in Czechoslovakia's history. His legacy continues to inspire leftist and socialist movements in the Czech Republic and beyond, and his writings and ideas remain relevant to this day.
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Lev Skrbenský z Hříště
Lev Skrbenský z Hříště (June 12, 1863 Moravia-December 24, 1938 Olomouc District) was a Czech personality.
He was a physician and an important figure in the Czech language movement in Moravia. Skrbenský z Hříště studied at the University of Vienna and later worked as a physician in Olomouc. He was an active member of various Czech cultural and political organizations, working tirelessly to promote the Czech language and culture in the region. Skrbenský z Hříště also wrote several books and articles on Czech culture, history, and language. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of Czech national consciousness in Moravia.
In addition to his work in promoting Czech language and culture, Skrbenský z Hříště was also involved in politics. He served as a member of the Moravian Landtag, the regional parliament of Moravia, from 1899 to 1913. During this time, he worked to promote the interests of the Czech community in Moravia and to oppose the policies of the Austrian Empire, which sought to suppress the Czech language and culture.
Skrbenský z Hříště was also a pioneer in the field of public health. He established a number of clinics and hospitals in the Olomouc region, and he was particularly concerned with improving the health and hygiene of the rural population. He was also a strong advocate for vaccination, which was a controversial issue in his time.
Despite his many achievements, Skrbenský z Hříště is not as well-known today as some of his contemporaries. However, his legacy continues to be felt in the Czech Republic, particularly in the Olomouc region, where he is remembered as a tireless champion of Czech culture and a pioneer in public health.
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Jaroslav Durych
Jaroslav Durych (December 2, 1886 Hradec Králové-April 7, 1962 Prague) was a Czech writer and journalist.
Durych began his career as a journalist, writing for various newspapers and magazines, before starting to publish his own works of fiction. His most well-known work is the novel "Markéta Lazarová" which is considered a masterpiece of Czech literature. In addition to his writing, Durych was also an active member of the Czech resistance during World War II, participating in various anti-Nazi activities. He was also involved in politics later in life, serving as a member of the Czech National Council from 1945 to 1948. Despite being highly regarded in his home country, Durych's works were largely unavailable in other languages until the fall of communism in 1989.
Durych's writing style was heavily influenced by his Catholic faith and his interest in folk culture. He often incorporated these themes into his works, creating a unique blend of modernism and tradition. Aside from "Markéta Lazarová," he also wrote several other novels and collections of poetry, including "Stíny nad hlavou" and "Souborné spisy." In addition to his literary accomplishments, Durych was also recognized for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his advocacy for people with disabilities. He founded a center for disabled children in Prague and was instrumental in improving living conditions for disabled individuals throughout his country. Durych passed away in 1962 at the age of 75 but his legacy in Czech literature and society continues to be celebrated today.
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Alois Musil
Alois Musil (June 30, 1868 Czech Republic-April 12, 1944) was a Czech writer.
In addition to his writing, Alois Musil was also an accomplished explorer and traveler. He studied theology and classical languages, and became a professor of Arabic studies at Charles University in Prague. Musil traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, particularly in what is now Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, documenting his travels in numerous books and articles. He was also a skilled photographer and made valuable contributions to the field of Middle Eastern archaeology. Musil's legacy includes his extensive collection of Islamic artifacts, which he donated to Czech museums.
His most notable work was his six-volume masterpiece "Arabia Petraea", a detailed and extensive study of the Nabataeans and their capital city, Petra. Musil's thorough and accurate scholarship, combined with his eloquent writing style, has made his work on the Nabataeans foundational in the field of archaeology. In addition to his academic achievements, Musil was known for his bravery and tenacity during his travels, which often took him to dangerous and remote areas. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service as a liaison officer during World War I. After his death, he was honored by having a crater on the moon named after him.
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Emil Radok
Emil Radok (May 22, 1918-January 7, 1994) was a Czech film director, screenwriter and film producer.
He was born in Prague, Austria-Hungary, and began his career in the film industry as a screenwriter in the late 1930s. Radok also worked as an assistant director and editor before eventually making his directorial debut with "Svet Ktery Nebylel" in 1947. He went on to direct several successful films in Czechoslovakia, including "Dalsi Cesta" (1951), "Andelske Oci" (1952), and "Kdyz Zena Chce" (1953).
In addition to his work in film, Radok was also a noted theater director and worked at the National Theatre in Prague. He was known for his avant-garde staging techniques and was a pioneer of multimedia theater, using film projections and other visual effects in his productions.
Radok's influence extended beyond his home country, as he was a frequent participant in international film festivals and his films were widely screened throughout Eastern Europe. He received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Order of Merit from the Czech Republic in 1993, shortly before his death in 1994. Today, Emil Radok is remembered as one of the most important figures in Czech cinema and theater of the 20th century.
Radok's most famous work is "Limonádový Joe aneb Konská opera" (Lemonade Joe, or the Horse Opera) which was released in 1964. The film was a satirical take on Westerns and quickly became a cult classic in Czechoslovakia. His legacy also includes his work on the 1964 Czechoslovak Pavilion at the New York World's Fair, where he designed and directed the multimedia production "Theater of Space".
Radok's son, Jan Radok, followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful film director and screenwriter in his own right. In his later years, Emil Radok was active in politics and served as a Member of Parliament for the Civic Democratic Alliance from 1992 until his death in 1994.
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Miloš Macourek
Miloš Macourek (December 2, 1926 Kroměříž-September 30, 2002 Prague) also known as Milos Macourek or Milosh Matsourek was a Czech screenwriter, film director and writer.
Macourek was a prolific writer, having written over 80 screenplays and around 30 books during his career. He was known for his humorous and witty style, often incorporating science fiction and fantasy elements into his works. Some of his most famous screenplays include Cesta z města (1960), Limonádový Joe aneb Koňská opera (1964), and Adéla ještě nevečeřela (1977), all of which became cult classics in Czech cinema.
Macourek started his career as a journalist before transitioning to writing screenplays and books in the 1950s. He was awarded numerous accolades during his lifetime, including the Karel Čapek Prize, Czech Lion for lifetime achievement, and the Medal of Merit from the Czech Republic. His works continue to be celebrated today and have left a lasting impact on Czech film and literature.
In addition to his successful career in writing, Miloš Macourek was also known for his collaborations with fellow Czech filmmaker, Oldřich Lipský. The duo worked together on several films, including Limonádový Joe, which became one of the biggest box office successes in Czech cinema history. Macourek's unique style and wit helped set him apart from other screenwriters of his time, earning him a reputation as one of the most talented and innovative writers in Czechoslovakia. Aside from his work in film and literature, Macourek was also a respected public figure and was actively involved in politics in the years following the Velvet Revolution. He remained a beloved figure in Czech culture until his death in 2002.
He died caused by cancer.
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Stanislav Látal
Stanislav Látal (May 7, 1919 Samotišky-August 4, 1994 Prague) also known as S. Látal was a Czech film director and screenwriter.
During his career, Látal directed over 30 films and was one of the most prominent figures in Czechoslovakian film in the 1950s and 60s. He began his career as a scriptwriter and made his directorial debut in 1950 with the film "Já nejsem já". Among his most notable works are "Snadný život" (Easy Life), which won the Golden Bear at the 10th Berlin International Film Festival, and "Frona" which won the Special Bronze Prize at the same festival in 1960. In addition to his filmmaking work, Látal was also a professor at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Látal was born in the village of Samotišky, which at the time was part of Austria-Hungary. He moved to Prague in the 1930s and studied journalism and later film directing. His films often incorporated elements of social realism and were praised for their humanistic themes. In the 1970s, after the Prague Spring and the subsequent Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Látal's artistic freedom was restricted and he was forced to make commercial films with less artistic merit. However, he continued to work as a director and was a mentor to many up-and-coming filmmakers. Látal passed away in 1994 in Prague at the age of 75. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in Czechoslovakian cinema.
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Heinz Edelmann
Heinz Edelmann (June 20, 1934 Ústí nad Labem-July 21, 2009 Stuttgart) was a Czech graphic designer and art director.
Edelmann is best known for his design work on The Beatles' animated film, Yellow Submarine. He was approached by the film's producers after they saw his artwork for a book cover. He went on to create the distinctive look of the film, which has become iconic in pop culture. Edelmann also worked as a freelance illustrator and designer, creating album covers and advertisements for companies such as Coca-Cola, IBM, and Volkswagen. He taught at various art schools in Germany and Switzerland and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. In addition to his design work, Edelmann was also a painter and sculptor.
Edelmann was born to a Czech mother and a German father, and spent most of his early years in Prague. He received his formal training in visual communication at the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts, which he attended from 1953 to 1958. After completing his studies, he worked as an assistant to a film director, before becoming a freelance designer and illustrator.
In the 1960s, Edelmann's work was heavily influenced by the emerging psychedelic art movement, which was marked by vibrant colors, bold patterns, and cultural references. His work on Yellow Submarine, which was released in 1968, was a masterpiece of this genre, blending handmade drawings, collages, and photography with innovative animation techniques.
After the success of Yellow Submarine, Edelmann continued to work in the advertising and design industries, creating iconic posters and album covers. He also branched out into product design, creating prototypes for furniture and household objects.
In the later years of his career, Edelmann devoted more time to painting and sculpture, experimenting with different styles and media. He was honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by designers and artists worldwide.
He died in renal failure.
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Antonín Holý
Antonín Holý (September 1, 1936 Prague-July 16, 2012 Prague) was a Czech scientist and chemist.
He was most notable for creating effective treatments for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B. Holý earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from Charles University in Prague in 1960 and worked as a scientist for the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences for over 50 years. Throughout his career, Holý received numerous awards and honors, including the State Prize of the Czech Republic for Merit in Science in 2007. His innovative work in antiviral drug research has saved countless lives and has had a lasting impact on the medical community.
Holý is credited with synthesizing more than 500 compounds and discovering the antiviral drug tenofovir, which is now used as a first-line treatment for HIV/AIDS. His work also led to the development of drugs for other infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and herpes simplex virus. Holý's research was not limited to developing new drugs, he also pioneered the study of nucleotide analogues, a class of chemical compounds that has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of many diseases.
In addition to his scientific accomplishments, Holý was known for his humility and dedication to his work. He remained active in the scientific community until his death at the age of 75. His contributions to the field of antiviral drug research will continue to have an impact on the lives of people around the world for generations to come.
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Jan Werich
Jan Werich (February 6, 1905 Prague-October 31, 1980 Prague) otherwise known as The Wise Clown, Werich, Y. Verikh, J.W. Rich or Y. Verich was a Czech actor, playwright, screenwriter and writer. His child is called Jana Werichová.
His albums: Divadlo V+W, Těžká Barbora - 1.CD, Caesar, Těžká Barbora - 2.CD, Husaři - 2.CD and Jan Werich, vesele i vážně.
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Jiří Pleskot
Jiří Pleskot (May 3, 1922 Milostín-December 1, 1997 Prague) otherwise known as Jirí Pleskot or Jiri Pleskot was a Czech actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s and quickly became a prominent figure in Czech theatre and film. He appeared in over 70 films during his career, including the internationally acclaimed Closely Watched Trains (1966) and Capricious Summer (1968). Pleskot was also a talented stage actor, performing in numerous productions at the prestigious National Theatre in Prague. In addition to his acting work, Pleskot was a respected voiceover artist, lending his voice to many foreign films and television shows that were dubbed for Czech audiences. He was awarded the prestigious Thalia Award for his contributions to Czech theatre and film in 1995, just two years before his death.
Jiří Pleskot was born on May 3, 1922, in Milostín, Czechoslovakia. He studied acting at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague before beginning his career in theatre and film. In addition to his successful acting career, he also directed several productions for the theatre. Pleskot was widely recognized for his versatile and dynamic acting skills, which allowed him to embody a wide range of characters on both stage and screen.
Some of Pleskot's best-known film roles include the protagonist's father in Closely Watched Trains, the main character's father in Capricious Summer, and the lawyer in the romantic drama The Garden. He also appeared in several television productions, including the popular Czech series F.L. Věk. Pleskot was known for his unique voice and had a successful career as a voiceover artist, providing the Czech-dubbed voice for actors such as Sean Connery and Orson Welles.
Pleskot was a respected figure in Czech culture and was awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts. In addition to the Thalia Award, he received a Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 16th Berlin International Film Festival for his role in Capricious Summer. Jiří Pleskot died on December 1, 1997, in Prague, Czech Republic, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most revered actors of his generation.
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Jiřina Šejbalová
Jiřina Šejbalová (September 17, 1905 Prague-August 23, 1981 Prague) was a Czech actor and opera singer.
Jiřina Šejbalová began her career as an opera singer, performing at the National Theatre in Prague and working with acclaimed conductors such as Leoš Janáček. She later shifted her focus to acting, and starred in numerous Czech films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
After a brief hiatus during WWII, during which she was imprisoned for her anti-Nazi activities, Šejbalová returned to the stage and screen, becoming one of the most popular actors in Czechoslovakia. She is perhaps best known for her performances in films such as "Jan Žižka", "The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians", and "The Emperor and the Golem".
Šejbalová was also a talented painter and musician, and continued to perform in operas and musicals throughout her career. She received numerous awards for her contributions to Czech culture, including the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and the Czech Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement. She passed away in Prague in 1981, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest Czech actors of all time.
In addition to her acting and singing talents, Jiřina Šejbalová was also known for her humanitarian work. She was a member of the Czech Red Cross and worked to help refugees and those displaced by war. She also founded a charity organization that focused on providing assistance to elderly artists who were struggling financially. Despite facing criticism and persecution from the Communist government, she remained devoted to her causes and continued to advocate for the arts and social justice throughout her life. Today, Šejbalová is remembered as not only a talented performer but also as a compassionate and courageous advocate for justice and equality.
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Jan Koželuh
Jan Koželuh (January 29, 1904 Prague-June 4, 1979) also known as Jan Kozeluh was a Czech tennis player.
He was born into a family of musicians and was expected to follow that path, but he showed an early talent for tennis. Kozeluh won his first tennis tournament at the age of 15 and went on to win many more throughout his career. He was known for his powerful serve and his aggressive style of play. Kozeluh was part of the Czechoslovakian team that won the Davis Cup in 1930 and 1934. In addition to his tennis career, he also worked as a coach and was known for mentoring some of the best Czech players of his time. After retiring, Kozeluh settled in Switzerland and remained involved in tennis until his death. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006.
Kozeluh was not only a successful tennis player but also an accomplished musician. He frequently performed on the piano and violin in his spare time, and some of his tennis matches featured him playing music for the crowds during breaks. Despite his talent, Kozeluh’s music career was overshadowed by his success on the tennis court. In 1928, he represented Czechoslovakia in the Olympics and won a bronze medal in men’s singles. Kozeluh’s passion for tennis was evident even in his later years, as he continued to play and teach the sport well into his seventies. In addition to the Davis Cup, he also led the Czech team to victory in the European Championship in 1933. Kozeluh was widely regarded as one of the greatest Czech tennis players of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire young players to this day.
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Antonín Kubálek
Antonín Kubálek (November 8, 1935 Mariánské Radčice-January 18, 2011 Prague) also known as Antonin Kubalek was a Czech pianist and music teacher.
His albums: Memories of Bohemia, Brahms: Piano Music Vol. 2, Smetana: Complete Czech Dances, Complete Music for Violin and Piano and Piano Music Of Schumann.
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Pavel Bergmann
Pavel Bergmann (February 14, 1930 Prague-April 17, 2005 Prague) was a Czech personality.
He was a notable filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor. Bergmann studied at the Prague Conservatory and started his career as an actor in the 1950s. He later became interested in filmmaking and produced his first feature film, "Alarm in the Mountains", in 1962. Bergmann is known for his works that portray the struggles of ordinary people under totalitarian regimes. His most famous film, "Three Wishes for Cinderella", has become a Christmas classic in many countries. Bergmann was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Czech cinema, including the Czech Lion Award, the highest award for the Czech film industry. Despite facing censorship and persecution during the communist regime, Bergmann continued to make films that inspired generations of filmmakers.
In addition to his successful filmmaking career, Bergmann was also an accomplished author. He wrote several books on his experiences working in the film industry and was known for his insightful observations on society and politics. Bergmann was a vocal advocate for artistic freedom and saw his work as a way to engage audiences in discussions about the world around them. He was also a mentor to many young filmmakers in the Czech Republic, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. In recognition of his life and work, the Pavel Bergmann Film Festival and Award was established in 2009 to promote films that reflect Bergmann's dedication to social justice and humanistic values.
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