Czech musicians died when they were 80
Here are 15 famous musicians from Czech Republic died at 80:
Miroslav Ondříček
Miroslav Ondříček (November 4, 1934 Prague-March 28, 2015) also known as Miroslav Ondrícek, Miroslav Ondricek or Miroslav Ondrick was a Czech cinematographer. He had one child, David Ondříček.
During his career, Ondříček worked on over 40 films, collaborating with notable directors such as Milos Forman, Jim Jarmusch, and Terry Gilliam. He gained widespread recognition for his work on the 1984 film "Amadeus," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. He also received critical acclaim for his work on "If...." and "A League of Their Own."
Ondříček began his career in the Czechoslovakian film industry but was forced to emigrate to the United States following the Soviet invasion in 1968. He continued to work in the film industry, creating a name for himself as a talented cinematographer known for his innovative techniques and artistic style.
Throughout his career, Ondříček was known for his use of natural light and his ability to capture the essence of a scene. He was also an advocate for the use of new technology in film, embracing advancements such as digital cameras and drones.
Ondříček passed away in 2015 from an undisclosed illness, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented cinematographers of his time.
In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Ondříček was also a professor of cinematography at the Prague Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts. He was known for his dedication to teaching and mentoring young filmmakers, inspiring them to harness their creativity and innovate in their craft. Ondříček also served as a member of the jury at various film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. His contributions to the film industry were recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers in 1993. Ondříček's body of work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and his impact on the art of cinematography will be felt for years to come.
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Josef Sudek
Josef Sudek (March 17, 1896 Kolín-September 15, 1976 Prague) was a Czech photographer.
Sudek lost his right arm during World War I but it didn't stop him from pursuing his passion in photography. He initially worked as a bookbinder before becoming a full-time photographer. Sudek's work predominantly focused on still life and landscapes, with a particular interest in capturing the beauty of his hometown Prague. He was known for using a large format camera and for his mastery in printing techniques, which enabled him to create images of incredible depth and clarity. Sudek's photographs have been exhibited around the world and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest Czech photographers of all time. He has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, and his work continues to inspire photographers today.
Sudek's interest in photography began during his time in the military, where he was tasked with taking photographs to document the war efforts. This experience led him to further explore the medium and develop his own unique style. Despite facing financial struggles throughout his career, Sudek never compromised on the quality of his prints and always sought to experiment with new techniques. He was a prolific artist and created thousands of photographs during his lifetime, capturing both the beauty and the darkness of the world around him.
Sudek's legacy extends beyond his photography, as he was also a mentor to many young artists and helped establish the Czech Photographic Society. He believed in the power of photography as a means of preserving memories and capturing moments that would otherwise be lost in time. Sudek's photographs not only showcase the beauty of Prague and the Czech Republic, but also serve as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Isaac Mayer Wise
Isaac Mayer Wise (March 29, 1819 Lomnička-March 26, 1900 Cincinnati) a.k.a. Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise was a Czech rabbi, editor and author. He had one child, Effie Wise.
Isaac Mayer Wise was a prominent figure in American Reform Judaism in the late 19th century. He founded the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, which became the flagship seminary for training Reform rabbis, and played a key role in the development of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, which is now known as the Union for Reform Judaism.
Wise was also an accomplished writer and editor, and he founded several Jewish publications, including the Jewish Messenger and the American Israelite. He was a strong advocate for Jewish emancipation, and he worked tirelessly to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Beyond his work in the Jewish community, Wise was also involved in a number of important social causes of his time, including abolitionism and women's rights. He was a member of the Republican Party and counted President Abraham Lincoln among his friends.
Wise's legacy continues to shape American Judaism to this day, and his contributions to Jewish life and culture are celebrated by many.
Wise's interest in promoting Jewish education and culture led him to establish the B'nai B'rith lodge at his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati in 1849, which was the first college fraternity founded on Jewish values. He also established the Central Conference of American Rabbis in 1889, which still exists today as the principal organization of Reform rabbis in North America. In addition to his efforts towards reforming Judaism in America, Wise was also an advocate for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine, well before the modern state of Israel came into existence. To this end, he helped establish the Jewish National Fund in 1901, which aimed to purchase lands in Palestine for the purpose of Jewish settlement. While Isaac Mayer Wise passed away before this dream could be realized, his influence on American Reform Judaism and Zionist ideology have left a lasting impact on the Jewish community.
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Adolf Mišek
Adolf Mišek (August 29, 1875-October 20, 1955 Prague) was a Czech personality.
He is widely remembered as a renowned cellist of his time, having performed in many concerts across the world, collaborating with famous composers such as Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. Along with his musical success, Adolf Misek was also a respected pedagogue and taught at the State Conservatory in Prague for more than 40 years. Additionally, he was involved in the preservation of Czech folk music and played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Czech Cello School, which has become an essential part of the country's cultural heritage. Adolf Misek's contribution to the world of music was recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Medal of Merit from the Czechoslovak Republic.
Moreover, Adolf Misek was also a prolific composer and left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated to this day. His compositions were inspired by his love for his homeland, and he often incorporated elements of Czech folk music into his works. Some of his most famous compositions include his Cello Concerto in E minor and his Cello Sonata in G minor. Despite being admired for his virtuosic playing, Adolf Misek remained humble and was known for his kindness and generosity towards his students and fellow musicians. His contributions to the world of music continue to inspire new generations of musicians and his name remains celebrated among the greats of classical music.
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Karl Deutsch
Karl Deutsch (July 21, 1912 Prague-November 1, 1992 Cambridge) a.k.a. Karl Wolfgang Deutsch or Karl W. Deutsch was a Czech political scientist. He had two children, Mary D. Edsall and Margaret D. Carroll.
Deutsch was known for his work on international relations, focusing on the study of nationalism, communication, and social mobilization. He studied at the University of Prague and later emigrated to the United States after the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia. While in the US, he worked at several universities, including Harvard and Yale.
He was a prolific author, publishing numerous articles and books on topics such as communication theory, international relations, and political development. His most well-known works include "Nationalism and Social Communication" and "The Analysis of International Relations."
Deutsch also played a key role in the development of the field of international relations, serving as the founding president of the International Studies Association and the editor of its flagship journal, the "International Studies Quarterly."
Throughout his career, Deutsch was recognized for his contributions to political science and international relations, receiving numerous awards and honors. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 80.
In addition to his academic work, Karl Deutsch also served in various government positions. During World War II, he worked for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a precursor to the CIA. He also served as a consultant to the US government on issues related to international relations and security. Deutsch was known for his interdisciplinary approach to social science, combining insights from political science, sociology, psychology, and communication studies. He believed that studying the social dynamics of nationalism and communication was essential for understanding international relations and conflict. Deutsch's work continues to influence the field of political science and international relations today.
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Jiří Hájek
Jiří Hájek (June 6, 1913 Czech Republic-October 22, 1993 Prague) also known as Jiri Hajek was a Czech politician.
He was a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia and served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1956 to 1960. Hajek fought in the Spanish Civil War as a member of the International Brigades and served in the Czechoslovak Army during World War II. He was a close ally of Alexander Dubček and supported the Prague Spring in 1968, which led to his expulsion from the Communist Party. After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Hajek supported the establishment of a democratic government in Czechoslovakia and played an important role in drafting the country's new constitution. He was awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, one of the highest honors in the Czech Republic, in 1990.
Jiří Hájek was born in Prague, Czech Republic, on June 6, 1913. He obtained a degree in law and political science from Charles University in Prague. During his studies, he was active in left-wing politics and joined the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1932. He became a prominent member of the party, serving as its Secretary for International Relations from 1954 to 1956.
Hájek's tenure as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1956 to 1960 was marked by a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia. He advocated for a foreign policy that was independent of the Soviet Union and sought to improve relations with Western countries. However, his policies were met with opposition from hardline communists, and he was eventually removed from his position.
Despite his falling out with the Communist Party, Hájek continued to advocate for political reform in Czechoslovakia. He was a supporter of the Prague Spring, a movement calling for greater freedom and democracy in Czechoslovakia, which was brutally suppressed by the Soviet Union in 1968. Hájek was stripped of his party membership and was subsequently barred from politics.
After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Hájek returned to politics and played an important role in the drafting of the country's new constitution. He was a member of the Federal Assembly and served on the Constitutional Committee. Hájek was awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk in 1990 as a recognition for his contribution to Czechoslovakia's transition to democracy.
Jiří Hájek is remembered as a courageous politician who stood up for his beliefs, even at great personal cost.
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Vlastislav Hofman
Vlastislav Hofman (February 6, 1884 Jičín-March 28, 1964 Prague) was a Czech personality.
He was primarily known for his work as an architect and as one of the leading figures of Czech functionalism. He studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague and later worked with influential architect Jan Kotěra. Hofman’s designs were considered avant-garde for their time, as he was a proponent of the functionalist style which emphasized the practical use of space and a modern aesthetic.
In addition to his work as an architect, Hofman was also a set designer for theatrical productions and a painter. He was a founding member of the avant-garde artistic group Devětsil, which was active in Czechoslovakia in the 1920s and promoted the integration of different artistic disciplines.
Hofman's most famous works include the Baba Housing Estate in Prague, which was completed in 1932 and is considered a masterpiece of functionalist architecture. He also designed the interior of the Café Orient, a famous functionalist café in Prague that still operates today as a cultural institution.
Hofman's work had a significant influence on Czech architecture and design, and his legacy is celebrated through an annual award named in his honor.
Hofman was also recognized for his contributions to education, serving as a professor at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague from 1925 to 1939. During his tenure, he influenced many of his students who would later become important figures in Czech architecture and design. After World War II, Hofman's work fell out of favor with the communist government and he was forced into early retirement. However, in recent years, his contributions to Czech architecture have been reevaluated and he is now regarded as one of its most significant figures. In 2017, a retrospective exhibition was held at the National Technical Museum in Prague, featuring many of his works and highlighting his impact on Czech architecture and design.
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Josef Beran
Josef Beran (December 29, 1888 Pilsen-May 17, 1969 Rome) was a Czech personality.
Josef Beran was a renowned Czech cardinal and Archbishop of Prague. He was a staunch opponent of the Nazi and Communist regimes that ruled over Czechoslovakia during his time. Beran is particularly remembered for his heroic efforts to protect Jews during the Holocaust, and for his unwavering defense of religious freedom in the face of communist persecution.
As a young priest, Beran served as a military chaplain during World War I, and later became a professor of theology in Prague. He was appointed Archbishop of Prague in 1946, and quickly gained a reputation as a passionate defender of human rights, especially the right to worship freely.
During the Nazi occupation, Beran spoke out against the persecution of Jews and other minorities, frequently risking his own life to shelter them from persecution. After the war, he continued to challenge the communist regime, which sought to suppress religious practice and assert control over all aspects of life in Czechoslovakia.
In 1949, Beran was arrested by the communist authorities and imprisoned for 10 years, during which time he endured torture and solitary confinement. He was finally released in 1965, and went into exile in Rome, where he continued to work tirelessly for human rights and religious freedom until his death from lung cancer in 1969.
Throughout his life, Josef Beran was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to social justice and religious freedom. He was known for his compassionate nature and his tireless work to protect those who were marginalized or oppressed. Beran was also a gifted writer and public speaker, and his sermons and speeches remain influential in Czech society to this day.
In recognition of his contributions to society, Beran was awarded numerous honors and awards, including the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the Czech Republic's highest civilian award. He was also posthumously awarded the Order of the White Lion, the highest state honor in the Czech Republic, in 1990.
Today, Josef Beran is remembered as a hero and a symbol of hope for those who seek to promote human rights and social justice. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his dedication to the well-being of others continue to serve as an inspiration for people around the world.
He died in lung cancer.
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Jozef Lenárt
Jozef Lenárt (April 3, 1923 Liptovská Porúbka-February 11, 2004 Prague) also known as Jozef Lenart was a Czech politician.
He served as the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia from 1963 to 1968, during which time he worked towards consolidating the Communist Party's hold on power. After the Prague Spring reforms of 1968, he was removed from his position and became Minister of Foreign Affairs until 1971. Lenárt was known for his hardline stance against dissent and criticism of the government, and was a key figure in the suppression of the Prague Spring movement. Later in life, he became a controversial figure due to his involvement in the Communist government's oppressive policies. Despite his controversial legacy, Lenárt remains an important figure in the history of Czechoslovakia and its politics during the Cold War era.
Lenárt began his political career as a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1943 while studying at Charles University in Prague. Throughout his time as Prime Minister, he prioritized industrial development and economic growth in Czechoslovakia, while also strengthening the country's ties to the Soviet Union. However, his hardline policies led to increased censorship and suppression of free speech in the country.
After his forced resignation in 1968, Lenárt continued to serve as a member of the Communist Party and was even decorated with numerous awards for his service. However, following the Velvet Revolution in 1989 and the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia, Lenárt was widely criticized for his role in the repression of dissidents and limiting civil liberties.
Despite his controversial legacy, Lenárt's political career was still respected by some in the country. He is remembered as a leading figure in the consolidation of communist power in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War era, a pivotal moment in Czechoslovakian history that shaped the nation's political trajectory.
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Ladislav Adamec
Ladislav Adamec (September 10, 1926 Frenštát pod Radhoštěm-April 14, 2007 Prague) was a Czech politician.
Adamec served as the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia from 1988 to 1990, leading a government that was primarily composed of members of the Communist Party. He played a key role in the Velvet Revolution of 1989, which peacefully ended communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Adamec worked with the opposition to negotiate the transition to a democratic government, and he willingly stepped down from his position as Prime Minister in December 1989. After leaving office, he continued to promote a peaceful transition to democracy in Czechoslovakia and remained active in politics. Adamec died in 2007 at the age of 80.
During his time as Prime Minister, Adamec attempted to introduce political and economic reforms in Czechoslovakia, which were met with both praise and criticism. He also sought to improve relations with the West and allow more political freedom in the country. Despite his efforts, the Communist Party was unable to maintain its grip on power, and Adamec's government ultimately fell in November 1989 in the midst of widespread protests and mounting opposition. Adamec was recognized for his role in the Velvet Revolution and his efforts to facilitate a peaceful transition to democracy. Later in life, he published a memoir about his experiences in politics and served as a mentor to younger politicians.
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Vladimír Klokočka
Vladimír Klokočka (April 23, 1929 Prague-October 19, 2009) was a Czech lawyer and politician.
He studied law and political science at Charles University in Prague and later became a lawyer. Klokočka was involved in dissident activity during the communist regime in Czechoslovakia and was imprisoned for his political beliefs.
After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, Klokočka became heavily involved in politics, serving as a member of the Federal Assembly and then the Czech National Council. He was a prominent figure in the Civic Democratic Alliance, a right-wing political party in the Czech Republic.
Klokočka was well-known for his work in advancing democracy and human rights in the Czech Republic, and he was awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk in recognition of his contributions. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 80.
In addition to his work in politics and law, Vladimír Klokočka was also a prolific writer and translator. He translated several works of literature from Russian into Czech, including works by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. He also wrote a number of books himself, including memoirs about his experiences as a political prisoner and essays on political and social issues in the Czech Republic. Klokočka was a highly respected figure throughout his life and many Czechs credit him with helping to bring about the end of communism in their country. His legacy lives on in his many contributions to Czech society, and he is remembered as a tireless advocate for freedom and democracy.
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Bohumil Říha
Bohumil Říha (February 22, 1907-December 15, 1987 Prague) was a Czech writer.
Říha was born in a village near Prague and studied law at Charles University in Prague. However, he never practiced law and instead, he became a full-time writer. In his early years, Říha was heavily influenced by the work of Franz Kafka and his writing often dealt with the themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and totalitarianism.
Říha published several novels, short stories, and plays throughout his career. His most famous work, a novel called "The Stolen Border" (Ukradená hranice), was published in 1939 and has been translated into several languages. It depicts the complex relationship between a Czech and a German man living in a border town in the 1930s.
During World War II, Říha was active in the Czech resistance against the Nazi occupation. After the war, he became an important figure in Czech literature and was one of the co-founders of the literary journal "Světová literatura" (World Literature).
Říha was also involved in politics and was a member of the Czechoslovak parliament from 1945 to 1948. However, after the Communist Party seized power in Czechoslovakia in 1948, Říha became disillusioned with the regime and was eventually banned from publishing in 1950. He continued to write in secret and his work was not published again until after the fall of communism in 1989.
Říha died in Prague in 1987, just two years before the Velvet Revolution that toppled the Communist government. Today, he is considered one of the most important Czech writers of the 20th century.
In addition to his writing and political activism, Bohumil Říha was also known for his film work. He wrote the screenplay for several Czech films, including "The World Belongs to Us" (Svět patří nám) and "Bohemia Docta" (Doktor Bohemia), both of which were directed by his friend and fellow writer Jan Werich. Říha also acted in a number of films, including "The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians" (Tajemství hradu v Karpatech), a Czechoslovakian fantasy film based on the works of the Jules Verne. Despite his ban from publishing, Říha remained active in the cultural scene and was a member of the Czechoslovak Writers' Union. His legacy in Czech literature and film continues to be celebrated and studied today.
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Winnie Markus
Winnie Markus (May 16, 1921 Prague-March 8, 2002 Munich) also known as Winifred Maria Eveline Markus was a Czech actor.
She began her acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in films such as "The Broken Jug" and "The Eternal Mask". She became more prominent in the 1950s, starring in several German films including "The Emperor and the Golem", "The Last Pedestrian", and "My Father, the Actor". Markus was also a successful television actress, appearing in popular shows such as "Salto Mortale" and "Derrick". In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished singer and performed in several operettas. Markus was married to the German actor Rudolf Prack from 1943 until his death in 1981. After his death, she retired from acting and lived a private life until her death in 2002 in Munich at the age of 80.
Markus was born to a Christian mother and a Jewish father and was raised in a bilingual household. Due to her father's ethnicity, she was labeled as a "half-Jew" by the Nazis and was not allowed to act in German films during World War II. However, she continued to act in Czechoslovakian films during the war. After the war, she resumed her acting career in Germany and became a popular and well-respected actress. Markus also spoke multiple languages, including German, Czech, and English, which helped her in her career as an international actress. In 1973, she was awarded the Filmband in Gold (Golden Film Award) for her outstanding contributions to German cinema. Despite her success, Markus remained humble and was known for her kindness and modesty.
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Lubor Tokoš
Lubor Tokoš (February 7, 1923 Šternberk-September 26, 2003 Zlín) also known as L. Tokos, Lubomír Tokoš or Lubomir Tokos was a Czech actor and voice actor.
Tokoš started his acting career in 1947 and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in Czechoslovakian cinema. Over the course of his career, he appeared in more than 80 films and television shows. Some of his most notable roles include "The Fabulous Baron Munchausen," "Adele Hasn't Had Her Dinner Yet," and "The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians." In addition to his acting work, Tokoš was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films and television shows. He was a favorite of acclaimed Czech animator Jan Švankmajer, who frequently cast him in his films. Despite his success and popularity, Tokoš remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his death. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Czechoslovakian cinema history.
Tokoš was born in Šternberk, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) and grew up in Zlín. He initially dreamed of becoming a painter but eventually pursued acting. He started his career at the Zlín Theatre and later moved to Brno, where he joined the National Theatre. In addition to his film and voice work, Tokoš was a respected stage actor and appeared in numerous plays throughout his career. He was also a beloved public figure in the Czech Republic, known for his charming personality and kindhearted nature. Tokoš received several honors for his contributions to Czechoslovakian cinema, including the Czech Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1995. He is survived by his wife, actress Ludmila Bednářová, and their son, actor and director Jan Tokoš.
He died in cardiovascular disease.
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Blažena Holišová
Blažena Holišová (July 11, 1930 Nenkovice-April 7, 2011 Prague) also known as Blazena Holisová, B. Holisová or Blazena Zálesáková was a Czech actor.
She was born on a small farm in Slovakia but spent most of her childhood in the Moravian city of Brno. After studying acting at the Prague Conservatory, she began her career at the Divadlo Na zábradlí theatre in the early 1950s. Holišová went on to perform on stage at a number of other theatres throughout Czechoslovakia during her career.
In addition to her stage work, Holišová appeared in a number of films and television shows. She had notable roles in several films by Czech director Miloš Forman, including Loves of a Blonde (1965) and The Firemen's Ball (1967). Holišová also appeared in a number of popular Czech TV shows, including The 30 Cases of Major Zeman.
Throughout her career, Holišová was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters. Her work was frequently praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Holišová passed away in 2011 at the age of 80.
Despite her fame, Blažena Holišová was known for being incredibly humble and reserved. She was also known for her passion for animal welfare and frequently volunteered with animal rescue organizations. Holišová was married twice, first to the Czech actor Jaroslav Marvan and later to Jan Kacer, a prominent Czech psychiatrist. She had two children, a daughter named Lenka and a son named Jan. Over the course of her career, she was awarded the Order of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk for her contributions to Czech culture and was widely regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
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