World's oldest singer and actor passed away, age 108

[Paal1994]

Hi everybody,

It's been a while since I posted something on the forum, but I thought this might be a bit interesting. I don't know if you have heard or read it somewhere, but on Christmas eve, the oldest active actor and singer, Johannes Heesters passed away at the age of 108.

He was born in Amersfoort, just outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands on December 5, 1903. He made his stage debut in 1921 and had his first part in a movie i 1924! Around 1934/35 (not sure of the excact year) he moved his career to Germany and Austria. Here he became a movie star and had huge success. In 1939 he played Count Danilo in "The Merry Widow" for the first time, which became the biggest role of his life. During the Second World War, he continued to act in movies until 1944.

After the war Heesters picked up where he had left, and continued appearing on film and in the theater. In the post war area he was a huge star, appeared regularly on TV and was known to almost everybody as "Jopie". He played Count Danilo in "The Merry Widow" over 1600 times, and after that, he was featured in the musical "Gigi" over 700 times. He soldiered on well into retirement age and continued to be very popular in the German-speaking world. But in his native Holland, people didn't like him because he continued to play in motion pictures during the war.

He tried to make a comeback in Amsterdam by playing a role in "The Sound of Music". But he was booed off stage. He didn't try again until 2008. He gave a concert, and got a standing ovation. He described it as one of the happiest nights of his life.

By the time he had turned 100 in 2003 he was the oldest active actor and singer in the world and continued to appear regularly, either in plays, on TV or giving solo concerts.

He made his last movie in June, last year, a short film called "Ten" where he played Saint Peter. His last public appearance was in Munich on October 31. Shortly before his 108th Birthday he got a dizzy spell, so he had to cancel his Birthday concert. He got well enough to celebrate his Birthday at home, but a week or so before he died, he got a stroke and was put back into hospital. He passed away on December 24, 2011. An incredible 90 year old career was over.

Didn't exactly know where to put this, but I hope it fits here. Hope you found it interesting

Paal.

[EdiBrunsVic]

This was quite interesting and thank you for sharing it.

[Wolfe]

A career that dawned in 1921! That is amazing.

Since Wade Mainer passed a few months ago at 107, I've been wondering who in the musical world was left that was even older (even though they were at complete opposite ends of the spectrum.)

[Paal1994]

This was quite interesting and thank you for sharing it.

Glad you found it interesting! It's a very fascinating story!

A career that dawned in 1921! That is amazing.

Since Wade Mainer passed a few months ago at 107, I've been wondering who in the musical world was left that was even older (even though they were at complete opposite ends of the spectrum.)

It is indeed amazing! Just imagine the life he has had. I have also been wondering a bit on who's left that is over 100 and still active. But with the passing of Heesters, I can't think of anybody!

Paal.