South African musicians died when they were 59
Here are 5 famous musicians from South Africa died at 59:
Juliet Prowse
Juliet Prowse (September 25, 1936 Mumbai-September 14, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Juliet Anne Prowse or juliet_prowse was a South African actor, singer, performer and dancer. She had one child, Seth McCook.
Prowse began her career as a ballet dancer in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa. She later moved to London and then to the United States, where she found success on Broadway and in Hollywood. She appeared in films such as "Can-Can" and "G.I. Blues" alongside Elvis Presley.
Prowse was also known for her work on television, appearing on shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Muppet Show." She was a guest star on several episodes of "The Love Boat" and even had her own variety show, "The Juliet Prowse Show."
In addition to her performing career, Prowse was also known for her philanthropic work. She was a supporter of several charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the March of Dimes.
Despite her untimely death at the age of 59, Prowse's legacy as a talented and versatile entertainer lives on.
Prowse's dance skills were recognized early on in her career, and she worked with many top choreographers and dancers of her time, including Fred Astaire and Bob Fosse. She became a well-known and sought-after performer, praised for her grace and athleticism on stage.
Prowse's personal life was often in the public eye, as she had high-profile relationships with celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. She was also known for her striking beauty and glamorous style, and was often featured in magazines and advertisements.
Despite facing health challenges later in life, Prowse continued to perform and inspire others with her talent and generosity. She remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world, remembered for her contributions to dance and music, as well as her compassion for others.
Juliet Prowse was born in Mumbai, India, but grew up in South Africa where she started studying dance at a young age. Her father was a successful industrial engineer and her mother was a dancer, so it was only natural for Prowse to follow in her mother's footsteps. She began her professional dance career in her early 20s, performing in various stage productions in South Africa.
In the late 1950s, Prowse moved to London, where she quickly established herself as a top dancer and performer. She appeared in several West End productions, including "Irma La Douce" and "The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd." Her talent and charisma caught the eye of Hollywood producers, and she soon found herself on the fast track to stardom.
Prowse's breakout role came in 1960, when she was cast opposite Elvis Presley in "G.I. Blues." The film's success propelled Prowse to international fame, and she quickly became a sought-after star in Hollywood. She appeared in several films throughout the 1960s, including "Can-Can," "Who Killed Teddy Bear?" and "The Second Time Around."
In addition to her film career, Prowse also made a name for herself on television. She appeared on popular variety shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Muppet Show," as well as on dramatic series like "Hart to Hart" and "The Love Boat." She even hosted her own variety show, "The Juliet Prowse Show," which aired for one season in the early 1970s.
Prowse's personal life was often the subject of tabloid speculation, due to her high-profile relationships with stars like Sinatra and Presley. However, she never let the rumors and gossip affect her work or her charity work, which she was passionate about. She donated her time and resources to several organizations throughout her career, and was a staunch advocate for the rights of children and those in need.
Despite her success and popularity, Prowse's life was not without its challenges. In 1987, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which eventually led to her death in 1996, just shy of her 60th birthday. However, her contributions to the entertainment world continue to be celebrated to this day, and she is remembered as a talented and beloved performer.
Throughout her life, Juliet Prowse remained dedicated to her craft and continued to inspire others with her dancing and performing abilities. She was renowned for her natural grace and athleticism on stage, and she earned numerous awards and accolades for her work, including a Tony nomination for her performance in the Broadway musical "Golden Rainbow."
She also appeared in various television shows and specials, such as "The Hollywood Palace," "The Danny Kaye Show," and "The Bing Crosby Show." Her talent and popularity earned her various appearances on popular talk shows such as the "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Phil Donahue Show."
Aside from her entertainment career, Prowse was also known for her commitment to charitable causes. She served as an ambassador for UNICEF and was actively involved in the fight against cancer, a disease that claimed the lives of both her parents. After her own cancer diagnosis, she became an advocate for early detection and education, sharing her own experiences with the disease to raise awareness.
Despite the challenges she faced, Juliet Prowse left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and humanitarianism. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists alike.
She died caused by pancreatic cancer.
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Trevor Blokdyk
Trevor Blokdyk (November 30, 1935 Krugersdorp-March 19, 1995) was a South African race car driver.
He competed in various types of racing including Formula One, endurance racing, and hill climb events. Blokdyk began his racing career in the 1950s and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled driver. He won the South African Formula One Championship in 1972 and 1973, and also competed in several races around the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Blokdyk continued racing well into his 50s and was known for his determination and passion for the sport. In addition to his career in racing, he was also a successful businessman and owned several car dealerships in South Africa. He was tragically killed in a car accident in 1995 while driving home from a racing event. Blokdyk's legacy as a pioneering South African race car driver continues to be celebrated by fans of the sport.
Throughout his racing career, Trevor Blokdyk established himself as one of South Africa's most accomplished drivers. He competed in various types of races during his career and made a name for himself in endurance racing. Blokdyk raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, finishing in the top ten three times.
Aside from his success in the racing world, he was also a skilled engineer with a deep understanding of automotive technology. He used this expertise to build his own cars, including the Blokdyk GT Special, which he used to compete in hill climb events.
Blokdyk was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to adapt to various race tracks and conditions quickly. In addition to his two South African Formula One Championship titles, he won numerous other races and earned a reputation as a fierce competitor.
After retiring from racing, he continued to be involved in the sport as a commentator and mentor to young drivers. Despite his untimely death, Blokdyk's contributions to the world of South African racing will always be remembered.
Blokdyk's impact on South African motorsport extends beyond just his achievements on the track. He was a pioneer for other drivers from South Africa and inspired many to follow in his footsteps. His success opened doors for other South African racers to compete on the international stage. Blokdyk was also a vocal advocate for the safety of drivers and worked to improve safety standards in motorsport. He worked closely with organizers and other drivers to promote safety and ensure that races were conducted as safely as possible. In addition to his contributions to the sport, Blokdyk was also known for his generosity and willingness to help others. He was involved with various charitable organizations and frequently donated money and resources to support causes he believed in. His legacy as both a legendary racer and a kind-hearted person lives on to this day.
Blokdyk's passion for cars and motorsport extended beyond just driving and racing. As a businessman, he owned several car dealerships in South Africa and was involved in various aspects of the automotive industry. He was known for his ability to spot talented young drivers and offer them opportunities to get behind the wheel, often offering them his own cars to compete in. Blokdyk also worked as a consultant and engineer for various organizations, using his expertise to help develop new technologies and improve performance in the automotive industry. His tireless dedication to the sport and the industry as a whole made him a beloved figure in South African motorsport and a role model for young drivers and entrepreneurs alike.
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Alf Ackerman
Alf Ackerman (January 5, 1929 Pretoria-July 10, 1988 Johannesburg) was a South African personality.
Alf Ackerman was a celebrated South African cabaret artist, singer, radio and television presenter, and actor. He started his career as a radio announcer and quickly became popular for his humorous and entertaining style. Ackerman also hosted his own television show, "The Alf Ackerman Show," which was on air for more than a decade. Apart from performing, Ackerman was also an accomplished businessman and owned several successful companies. He was a widely recognized and respected figure in South Africa's entertainment industry and received numerous accolades for his contributions. Ackerman passed away at the age of 59 due to a heart attack.
Despite his success, Ackerman faced criticism for his cooperation with the apartheid regime in South Africa. He defended himself by saying that he was simply providing entertainment and that he did not support the political beliefs of the government. However, his involvement with the government led to his expulsion from the International Federation of Actors. In addition to his entertainment and business pursuits, Ackerman was also a philanthropist and supported various charities throughout his life. He was survived by his wife, three children, and several grandchildren. Ackerman's legacy remains prominent in South Africa's entertainment industry, and he is remembered as one of the country's most iconic personalities.
Ackerman was born in Pretoria to a family of Dutch and French Huguenot descent. He attended Pretoria Boys' High School before studying law at the University of Pretoria. However, he left the program before completing his degree to pursue a career in broadcasting.
In addition to his entertainment and business pursuits, Ackerman was also deeply involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament for the National Party from 1974 to 1977, representing the Pretoria North constituency. Ackerman was a supporter of the apartheid system and believed in the separation of races.
Despite his controversial political beliefs, Ackerman remained a beloved figure in South Africa. He was known for his quick wit, infectious personality, and impressive singing voice. He released several albums throughout his career and performed for audiences around the world. Ackerman's contributions to South African culture were recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Republican Decoration for Meritorious Service and the Order of Meritorious Service Class II.
In recent years, Ackerman's legacy has come under scrutiny due to his association with the apartheid regime. Nevertheless, his impact on South Africa's entertainment industry remains profound, and he continues to be remembered as one of the country's most talented and influential personalities.
In addition to his radio and television work, Alf Ackerman had a successful career on stage. He starred in several productions, including "Fortune and Men's Eyes," "Byleidance," and "The Fantasticks." He was also a regular performer at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, where he appeared in many plays, musicals, and cabaret shows. His performances were always well-received, and he was praised for his energy, charisma, and comedic timing. Outside of entertainment, Ackerman was a passionate golfer and always made time for the sport. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and was particularly interested in items related to South African history. Despite his political views, Ackerman was widely respected for his talent and generosity. He donated significant amounts of money to various causes, particularly those supporting children and animals. He was also a devoted family man and enjoyed spending time with his loved ones whenever he could. Despite his passing over 30 years ago, Alf Ackerman remains an important figure in South African culture, both for his contributions to entertainment and for the controversies that surrounded his life.
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Young Pluto
Young Pluto (September 13, 1871 Canada-March 3, 1931) was a South African personality.
Young Pluto, whose real name was Abraham Carel Wertheim, was born in Quebec, Canada to a German Jewish family. He later immigrated to Cape Town, South Africa where he became a prominent entertainer and businessman. Pluto was known for his performances as a singer, comedian, and drag artist, often dressing in women's clothing for his comedic routines. He became a well-known figure in South African vaudeville and cabaret circles in the early 20th century.
Pluto also managed several successful clubs and theaters, including the Apollo Theater in Johannesburg. He was a pioneer in the entertainment industry in South Africa and was considered an important figure in the development of South African popular culture. However, his success was not without controversy as he faced criticism for his performances which were considered risqué and offensive by some. Nonetheless, he remained a beloved and influential figure in South African entertainment until his death in 1931.
Pluto's success and influence extended beyond the entertainment industry. He was also a philanthropist and a leader in the Jewish community in South Africa. He established the first Jewish social club in Johannesburg and was involved in various Jewish charitable organizations. Additionally, he was a supporter of the South African War effort and was awarded a medal for his service as a member of the Cape Jewish Volunteers. Despite facing discrimination and anti-Semitism throughout his life, Pluto remained proud of his Jewish heritage and actively promoted Jewish culture in South Africa. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer in South African entertainment and a champion for the Jewish community.
Young Pluto's career spanned several decades and saw him perform across South Africa and even in London, England. He was known for his quick wit and comedic timing, and his performances were often filled with satire and social commentary. He also had a talent for mimicry and would often impersonate well-known figures of the time.
In addition to his entertainment career, Pluto was also involved in politics. He was a member of the United Party and served as a councilor on the Johannesburg City Council for several years.
Despite his success, Pluto faced numerous challenges throughout his life. He was often the target of discrimination and racism, both as a Jew and as a performer. He also struggled with his own personal demons, including alcoholism.
Today, Young Pluto is celebrated for his contributions to South African popular culture and his pioneering work in the entertainment industry. He helped pave the way for future generations of performers and remains an inspiration to many.
Pluto's legacy lives on in various ways. In 2012, a documentary film titled "Young Pluto" was released, chronicling his life and career. In 2017, a street in Johannesburg was named after him, recognizing his impact on the city and its culture. Additionally, in 2020, a statue of Pluto was unveiled in Cape Town, honoring his contributions to South African entertainment and his commitment to promoting Jewish culture. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer who pushed boundaries and broke down barriers, paving the way for future generations to follow their dreams.
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Willem Louw
Willem Louw (November 24, 1920 Bloemhof-July 4, 1980) was a South African personality.
He was a well-known actor, director, and writer who was revered for his contributions to the South African entertainment industry. Louw was born and raised in Bloemhof, South Africa, where he developed a passion for acting at a young age. He had a long and illustrious career in the performing arts, appearing in numerous films, stage productions, and television shows throughout his lifetime.
Louw was also an accomplished playwright and screenwriter, and he wrote several successful plays and movies that received critical acclaim. In addition to his work in the arts, he was also actively involved in politics and was a member of the South African parliament for several years.
Throughout his career, Louw was recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to the South African entertainment industry. Even after his passing in 1980, his legacy as a pioneering figure in the South African arts scene continues to live on.
One of Louw's most notable achievements was his work in promoting Afrikaans as a language of the arts. He believed that the use of Afrikaans in South African theatre was a way to promote the country's cultural identity, and he worked tirelessly to support the language in his writing, directing and acting. His plays and films were then translated into other languages, thereby helping to spread the message of South African culture around the world.
Besides his artistic contributions, Louw also played a crucial role in South African politics. He was a member of the United Party and served as a member of parliament for several years. During his tenure in office, he advocated for the rights of all South Africans, regardless of their race, and was a staunch supporter of the anti-apartheid movement.
Louw was also a passionate advocate for education and served as a trustee of the South African Library for the Blind. He believed that everyone had the right to an education, regardless of their physical abilities, and worked to ensure that blind and visually impaired individuals had access to books and other educational materials.
Throughout his life, Willem Louw was a central figure in the South African arts scene, a political activist, and an advocate for education. His contributions to the country's cultural and social well-being have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of South Africans.
In addition to his many talents, Willem Louw was also an accomplished athlete. He was a skilled hockey player and went on to play for the provincial team. Louw also had a passion for rugby and was known for his skill on the field. He even played for the Western Province Rugby team and was selected to play for the South African national team, but turned down the opportunity in order to focus on his career in the performing arts.
Despite his success and recognition, Louw was not immune to the effects of apartheid. He was a vocal opponent of the government's policies and was critical of the way in which they treated non-white South Africans. Louw's activism often put him at odds with the government, but he remained committed to his ideals and continued to fight for what he believed in throughout his life.
Despite his passing over 40 years ago, Willem Louw remains an important figure in South African culture and history. His contributions to the arts, politics, and education continue to be celebrated and studied today, and he is remembered as a creative visionary and social activist whose legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him or were inspired by his work.
Louw's dedication to promoting Afrikaans as a language of the arts extended beyond his own work. He also served as the director of the Nasionale Toneel, a public theatre company that played a significant role in promoting Afrikaans-language theatre. Louw's leadership of the Nasionale Toneel helped to establish it as a leading cultural institution in the country, and his contributions to the company were recognized with the prestigious Hertzog Prize for Drama.
In addition to his work in the arts and politics, Louw was also a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Tilda, for over 25 years, and the couple had two children together. Despite his busy career and involvement in politics, Louw made sure to prioritize his family and spent as much time with them as possible. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and his willingness to help others, and he remained a beloved figure in his community until the end of his life.
Today, Willem Louw is remembered not just for his artistic and political contributions but also for his unwavering commitment to promoting the values of kindness, equality, and social justice. Despite the challenges and obstacles he faced during his lifetime, Louw remained steadfast in his belief that everyone deserved to be treated with respect and dignity, and he worked tirelessly to make the world a better place for all. His legacy continues to inspire generations of South Africans and serves as a testament to the power of creativity, activism, and the human spirit.
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