New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 25
Here are 3 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 25:
John O'Brien
John O'Brien (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1990) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his work as a comedian, actor and writer. O'Brien began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, performing in clubs around New Zealand and Australia. He later gained nationwide recognition for his role as Fred Dagg, a stereotypically rural Kiwi farmer character, in a series of television commercials.
O'Brien was also a talented writer, publishing several books, including a collection of humorous essays and a memoir. He wrote and starred in his own television shows, such as "McPhail and Gadsby" and "A Week of It". In addition to his work in entertainment, O'Brien was also involved in conservation efforts and activism.
Tragically, O'Brien took his own life in 1990, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most beloved personalities. His work continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day as a unique and important part of New Zealand's cultural history.
John O'Brien was born in 1945 in a small town called Kaeo, located in New Zealand's North Island. He grew up on a farm and learned to play the guitar at a young age, which he continued to play throughout his career. O'Brien attended Victoria University in Wellington, where he studied languages and literature. After graduation, he worked as a teacher for several years before pursuing a career in comedy.
In addition to his work on television, O'Brien also appeared in several films, including "Goodbye Pork Pie" and "Utu". He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1987 for his contributions to entertainment.
O'Brien's legacy continues to inspire young comedians and actors in New Zealand, and his work is celebrated as a vital part of the country's cultural history.
Throughout his career, John O'Brien was known for his unique sense of humor and ability to connect with audiences. He often used his comedic talents to comment on social and political issues, and he was an activist for causes such as environmentalism and gay rights. O'Brien was openly gay and used his platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite his success, O'Brien struggled with depression and alcoholism, which ultimately led to his tragic suicide at the age of 45. He left behind a legacy of laughter and a reminder of the importance of supporting mental health and preventing suicide.
In recognition of his contributions to New Zealand's culture, the John O'Brien Festival of Comedy was established in 2016. The festival aims to celebrate O'Brien's memory and showcase the country's top comedians, carrying on the tradition that O'Brien started in his early years as a stand-up comedian.
Overall, John O'Brien is remembered as a talented, influential figure in New Zealand's entertainment industry and a beloved cultural icon.
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Ernest Duncan
Ernest Duncan (April 5, 2015 Clyde-April 5, 1990 Morristown) was a New Zealand personality.
Ernest Duncan gained popularity as a radio broadcaster in the 1940s and 1950s, and later became a prominent television personality in New Zealand during the 1960s and 1970s. He was best known as the host of the popular New Zealand music show 'C'mon' which aired from 1963 to 1971. Ernest Duncan was also a prolific writer, penning numerous books on New Zealand's history and culture. In recognition of his contributions to arts and culture in New Zealand, Duncan was awarded the Order of Merit in 1990, shortly before his passing.
Ernest Duncan was born in Clyde, New Zealand in 1915. He began his career as a journalist and worked for several newspapers before starting his broadcasting career with the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation (NZBC) in the 1940s. Duncan's popularity grew quickly as a radio broadcaster and he became a household name in New Zealand.
In the 1960s, Duncan made the leap to television and became one of the country's most beloved television personalities. C'mon, the New Zealand music show that he hosted, became an instant hit and ran for eight seasons. His hosting style was warm, friendly, and inclusive, and he was admired for his ability to connect with his audience.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Duncan was also a prolific writer. He wrote several books on New Zealand's history and culture, including 'The New Zealanders' and 'The South Island of New Zealand'. He was passionate about preserving New Zealand's cultural heritage and worked tirelessly towards that goal.
Ernest Duncan's contributions to arts and culture in New Zealand were recognized when he was awarded the Order of Merit in 1990, shortly before his passing. He is remembered as a highly talented and charismatic personality who had a profound impact on New Zealand's cultural landscape.
Aside from his work as a journalist, broadcaster, and writer, Ernest Duncan was also involved in various initiatives that aimed to promote and support New Zealand's arts and culture. He was a member of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and helped organize the New Zealand Music Awards. He was also an active member of the New Zealand Society of Authors and helped mentor young writers.
Duncan was known for his genuine interest in people and their stories. He believed that every person had a unique and valuable story to share, and he made it a point to listen to and learn from the people he met. This quality endeared him to his audience and made him a beloved figure in New Zealand's media landscape.
Ernest Duncan passed away on April 5, 1990, at the age of 75. His legacy continues to inspire many in New Zealand's arts and culture scene, and his contributions to the country's cultural heritage will never be forgotten.
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Albert Henry Baskerville
Albert Henry Baskerville (April 5, 1883 New Zealand-May 20, 1908 Brisbane) also known as Albert Henry Baskiville or Bert Baskerville was a New Zealand rugby player and writer.
Baskerville was a key member of the first New Zealand rugby team to tour the United Kingdom and North America in 1905-1906. The tour was a great success and Baskerville's performances on the field helped establish New Zealand's rugby reputation. Baskerville was also a prolific writer, contributing to several rugby magazines and newspapers. In 1908, Baskerville travelled to Australia to promote rugby in the country. Tragically, he died from pneumonia soon after arriving in Brisbane at the young age of 25. The Baskerville Shield, awarded to the winner of a rugby test match series between England and New Zealand, was created in his honor.
Baskerville's contribution to rugby was immense, and he is considered one of New Zealand's rugby greats. In addition to playing and writing, Baskerville was also a rugby administrator. He served as secretary of the Canterbury Rugby Football Union and was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Rugby League. The Baskerville Cup, awarded to the winner of a test match between New Zealand and England in rugby league, was also named in his honor. Baskerville's legacy in rugby lives on, and he is remembered as a true pioneer of the sport.
Baskerville was born in Hokitika, New Zealand, and grew up playing rugby in Canterbury. He was known for his speed and agility on the field, and his innovative playing style helped revolutionize rugby. Baskerville was also a skilled writer and often used his platform to advocate for changes in the sport, such as the adoption of a point system and the expansion of international tours.
After the success of the 1905-1906 tour, Baskerville was widely regarded as one of the best rugby players in the world. He continued to play for the New Zealand team until his untimely death in 1908. Baskerville's death was a shock to the rugby community, and his funeral was attended by thousands of fans and players. The Baskerville Shield and Cup were created as a way to honor his memory and continue his legacy.
In addition to his contributions to rugby, Baskerville was also a talented journalist and editor. He worked for several newspapers and magazines throughout his career and was known for his insightful and engaging writing style. Baskerville's influence on the sport and on New Zealand culture as a whole cannot be overstated, and he remains an icon of rugby to this day.
Read more about Albert Henry Baskerville on Wikipedia »