New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 54
Here are 9 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 54:
John Ballance
John Ballance (March 27, 1839 Glenavy-April 27, 1893 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
He was the 14th Premier of New Zealand, serving from 1891 until his death in 1893. Prior to his political career, Ballance worked as a journalist, founding and editing several newspapers. He was instrumental in the founding of the Liberal Party, which aimed to promote social welfare programs and greater democracy in New Zealand. During his time as Prime Minister, Ballance introduced land reform and labor laws, and worked to improve education and public health. He is known for his advocacy of the graduated income tax, which was implemented shortly after his death. Ballance is also noted for his commitment to women's suffrage, and in 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in national elections.
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William Liley
William Liley (March 12, 1929 Auckland-June 15, 1983) a.k.a. Dr. William Liley was a New Zealand scientist and physician.
Dr. William Liley was a pioneer in the field of fetal medicine, particularly in the development of fetal surgery. He was renowned for his ground-breaking work in intrauterine blood transfusion, which involved direct transfusion of a fetus’s blood through the mother’s abdominal wall. Liley’s research and inventions paved the way for complex surgeries on fetuses still in the womb. In recognition of his contributions, Liley was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1971. Despite his many successes, Liley’s personal life was troubled, and he struggled with depression and alcoholism. He tragically took his own life in 1983.
He died in suicide.
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Bruno Lawrence
Bruno Lawrence (February 12, 1941 Worthing-June 10, 1995 Wellington) also known as David Charles Gilbert Lawrence, David Charles Lawrence or David Lawrence was a New Zealand actor, screenwriter and musician.
Throughout his career, Bruno Lawrence earned critical acclaim for his work in New Zealand's film industry. He appeared in over 50 films, including "Smash Palace," "The Quiet Earth," and "The Piano." He also won several awards for his performances, including Best Actor at the New Zealand Film and Television Awards for his work in "The Leading Edge."
Aside from acting, Bruno Lawrence also worked as a screenwriter, contributing to the scripts of several films he appeared in. He also had a successful music career, serving as a drummer for various bands and releasing his solo album, "Bruno."
Despite his numerous achievements, Bruno Lawrence struggled with addiction throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his decline in health and diagnosis with lung cancer. His legacy continues to be celebrated in New Zealand's film industry and music scene.
He died caused by lung cancer.
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Bob Fitzsimmons
Bob Fitzsimmons (May 26, 1863 Helston-October 22, 1917 Chicago) also known as Ruby Robert, The Freckled Wonder, Ruby or Robert James "Bob" Fitzsimmons was a New Zealand professional boxer. He had four children, Young Bob Fitzsimmons, Charles Fitzsimmons, Martin Fitzsimmons and Rosalie Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, having won world titles in three different weight classes: middleweight, heavyweight and light heavyweight. He began his boxing career at the age of 18, and quickly made a name for himself in the United States and Europe.
In addition to his boxing career, Fitzsimmons was also a skilled blacksmith and inventor. He patented several boxing-related inventions, including a speedball and a punch-counter.
Fitzsimmons suffered from ill health in the later years of his life, including diabetes and heart disease. He passed away in 1917 at the age of 54, and was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
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Frank Shuter
Frank Shuter (June 17, 1943 Rotorua-July 12, 1997 California) was a New Zealand personality.
He was well-known for his career in entertainment, particularly in the variety and comedy shows. Shuter started performing at the age of 16, working in a cabaret duo with his cousin, Billy T. James. The pair became hugely popular in New Zealand in the 1960s and 70s.
Shuter also had a successful solo career, performing in TV shows and touring with his comedy acts. In the 1980s, he moved to California, where he continued to perform in the entertainment industry.
Aside from his entertainment career, Shuter was also a philanthropist, supporting various charities and community projects. He was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1987 for his services to entertainment and the community.
Shuter passed away in 1997 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most beloved entertainers.
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Tom Cross
Tom Cross (January 21, 1876 Dunedin-July 3, 1930 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his achievements in the sport of athletics, particularly in middle-distance running. Cross competed in several international competitions, including the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, Greece, where he won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters. He also won several national titles in New Zealand and was considered one of the country's greatest athletes of his time.
Along with his athletic pursuits, Cross had a successful career as a journalist and editor. He worked for several newspapers throughout New Zealand and was known for his outspoken opinions and witty writing style. He was also a prominent member of the New Zealand Labour Party and served as a member of parliament from 1928 until his death two years later.
Despite his many accomplishments, Cross struggled with health issues throughout his life and died at the age of 54. He is remembered as a talented athlete, journalist, and political figure who made significant contributions to New Zealand society.
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David Evans
David Evans (October 4, 1886 Napier-October 12, 1940 Napier) was a New Zealand personality.
He was popularly known by his stage name, "Dame Nellie Melba," and was a renowned opera singer. Evans gained worldwide fame for her performances with the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. She was also the first Australian to gain international recognition in the field of classical music. Apart from being an accomplished singer, she was also an astute businesswoman, and her innovations and contributions helped transform the field of opera. She was also a philanthropist and was actively involved in various charities. In recognition of her contributions to music and society, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
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Larry Sutherland
Larry Sutherland (April 15, 1951-June 21, 2005) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his work as a television presenter and producer, hosting a variety of lifestyle and entertainment shows throughout his career. Sutherland began his broadcasting career as a radio announcer in the 1970s, before moving to television in the 1980s. He went on to produce and host numerous programs, including travel shows, game shows, and talent competitions.
Sutherland was also a noted philanthropist, and was involved with several charitable organizations throughout his life. He was particularly passionate about supporting organizations that worked to improve the lives of children, and devoted much of his time to fundraising and advocacy.
Despite his many accomplishments, Sutherland's life was tragically cut short in 2005, when he passed away at the age of 54. He is remembered as a beloved personality and respected media figure, and his contributions to New Zealand broadcasting and philanthropy continue to be celebrated today.
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Alexander Miller
Alexander Miller (April 5, 2015 Stevenston-May 15, 1960) a.k.a. Alexander \"Lex\" Miller was a New Zealand writer.
He was born in Scotland but moved to New Zealand with his family as a child. Miller is primarily known for his autobiographical novel, "The Tropic of Sir Galahad," which recounts his experience serving in World War I. He also wrote a number of other novels and poetry collections throughout his career. Miller was a member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and saw active duty in both Egypt and France. After returning from the war, he worked as a journalist before devoting himself full-time to writing. Miller passed away in 1960.
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