Czechoslovakian musicians died because of Stroke
Here are 2 famous musicians from Czechoslovakia died in Stroke:
Anny Ondra
Anny Ondra (May 15, 1903 Tarnów-February 28, 1987 Hollenstedt) also known as Anna Sophie Ondrakova, Any Ondra, A. Ondráková, Anny Ondráková, Anna Ondráková or Anna Sophie Ondráková was a Czechoslovakian actor and film producer.
She began her career in the Czech film industry, and gained international recognition when she starred in Alfred Hitchcock's first sound film, "Blackmail" (1929). After the film's success, she moved to London and appeared in several British films throughout the 1930s. Ondra was known for her beauty and her ability to play a wide range of characters, from innocent young women to femme fatales. In addition to her acting career, she also produced several films in the 1940s. Despite her success in the film industry, Ondra was known for her reclusive nature and shunned public attention. She retired from acting in the 1950s and lived a quiet life with her husband, boxer Max Schmeling, until her death in 1987.
Anny Ondra was born as Anna Sophie Ondrakova in Tarnów, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now in Poland. She was the daughter of a wealthy Czech family and grew up in Prague, where she studied acting at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her first film role was in the Czech film "A Daughter of Luxury" (1926), directed by Karel Lamač. She soon became a popular actress in Czechoslovakia, known for her charm, wit, and versatility.
In 1929, Alfred Hitchcock saw Ondra in a film and was impressed by her screen presence. He cast her as Alice White in his film "Blackmail," which was both a critical and commercial success. The film was notable for being Hitchcock's first sound film and for featuring a famous scene in which Ondra's character is menaced by a knife-wielding artist. Although Ondra spoke English with a heavy Czech accent, her performance was well-received and she became a star in Britain.
Ondra went on to make several more British films, including "The Manxman" (1929), "The First Mrs. Fraser" (1932), and "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933), opposite Charles Laughton. In the latter film, she played Laughton's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Ondra's career as an actress slowed down in the late 1930s, and she produced several films, including "Journey Together" (1945), a war drama directed by John Boulting.
In 1933, Ondra met the German boxer Max Schmeling, and the two began a romance. They married in 1938 and remained together until Schmeling's death in 2005. Ondra retired from acting in the 1950s and lived with her husband in Germany, where they ran a successful fashion business. Ondra remained a beloved figure in the Czech film industry, and in 2003, a commemorative plaque was installed at her birthplace in Tarnów.
Despite her success in the film industry, Ondra was known for her elusive nature and her reluctance to engage with the media or public events. She was famously shy and introverted, and her marriage to Schmeling only increased her desire to keep a low profile. Ondra's life with Schmeling was a quiet one, and the couple rarely granted interviews or appeared in public together. They lived in various locations throughout Germany, including Berlin and Hollenstedt, where they owned a popular pub that became a meeting place for many of Schmeling's old boxing friends.
In later years, Ondra focused on her fashion business and philanthropic work, supporting various causes related to women's health and education. She remained active in the industry, however, and continued to produce films and work behind the scenes. Ondra passed away in February 1987, and was buried in the same cemetery as her husband in Hollenstedt. Despite her reclusive nature, she remains an icon in the film industry, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and actors around the world.
Ondra's marriage to Max Schmeling was not without controversy. Schmeling was a prominent figure in Nazi Germany, and his association with the regime led to criticism from some quarters. Ondra herself was accused of being sympathetic to the regime, but there is no evidence to support this claim. Ondra and Schmeling's marriage was a happy one, and they remained devoted to each other throughout their lives.
After Schmeling's death in 2005, Ondra's name was once again in the headlines. It was revealed that the couple had been secretly supporting a Jewish family during the Holocaust, providing them with money and shelter. This act of bravery was unknown to the wider world until after Ondra's death.
Today, Ondra is remembered as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, and a trailblazer for women in the film industry. Her work in "Blackmail" helped to make Alfred Hitchcock a household name, and her ability to play a wide range of roles made her a sought-after actress in both Europe and the UK. Although she shunned the limelight in her later years, her impact on the film industry remains undiminished, and her legacy is a testament to her talent and determination.
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Jan Rubeš
Jan Rubeš (June 6, 1920 Volyně-June 29, 2009 Toronto) also known as Jan Ladislav Rubeš or Jan Rubeš was a Czechoslovakian actor and opera singer. He had three children, Christopher Jan Rubeš, Jonathan Mark Rubeš and Anthony Dean Rubeš.
Throughout his career, Jan Rubeš performed in a number of operas and musicals, both in Europe and North America. He was particularly well-known for his performances in the operas of Mozart and Verdi, and for his portrayal of Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof. In addition to his work on stage, Rubeš also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Witness, The X-Files, and Billy Madison. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1995 in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
Jan Rubeš was born in Volyně, Czechoslovakia (now in the Czech Republic) and began his career as an opera singer in Prague in the early 1940s. He soon became a leading member of the Czech National Opera, performing in productions of many classic operas. In 1948, he emigrated to Canada with his wife, the actress Susan Douglas Rubes, and became a member of the Canadian Opera Company.
During his time in Canada, Jan Rubeš continued to perform in numerous operas and musicals, including the role of Emile de Becque in a Canadian production of South Pacific, which gained him international attention. He also made guest appearances with major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Royal Opera House in London.
Aside from his work in the performing arts, Jan Rubeš was an active member of the community and dedicated much of his time to charitable causes. He was particularly involved with organizations that helped refugees and immigrants settle in Canada.
Jan Rubeš passed away in Toronto in 2009 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished opera singers and actors of his generation.
Jan Rubeš was not only a talented opera singer and actor, but also an accomplished painter. He began painting at a young age and continued to create art throughout his life, even holding several exhibitions of his work in Canada. Additionally, Rubeš was a polyglot, speaking multiple languages including Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. His linguistic abilities were showcased in some of his roles, such as when he played the Russian ambassador in the film Witness. Rubeš was also a member of the Order of Ontario, in addition to receiving the Order of Canada, for his contributions to the arts and charitable work. His impact on the arts community in Canada and beyond is still felt today.
Jan Rubeš was also known for his voice work, having provided the voice for a number of animated characters in films, TV shows, and video games. Some of his notable voice roles included Parts Unknown in the animated film Heavy Metal and Father in the animated TV series Babar. Additionally, he lent his voice to several video games, including The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and OverBlood 2. Rubeš was also a respected teacher and served as a coach and mentor to many young opera singers in Canada. He was known for his generosity and his dedication to helping others, both in the arts and in the community. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian culture, the city of Toronto named a street after him, Jan Rubes Way.
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