[78-L] Johannes Heesters dies at 108

[Kristjan Saag]

Johannes Heesters, probably the oldest performing artist ever, has died, 
at 108. Last summer he was still performing in Berlin theatres, 
celebrating his 107th birthday.
Heesters, born in the Netherlands but working in Germany most of his 
life, was active in silent movies and soundies, dramatic theatre, music 
theatre, cabarets and revues and made many recordings, one being the 
infamous "Zigarrettenlied" where he praised the joy of smoking, a habit 
he practised until his 107th year, when he finally gave it up, in order 
to spare his 46 years younger wife the misfortune of losing her husband 
prematurely.
Here's a video from last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xEUy7MoZpY&feature=related
Kristjan
(Leaving the opportunity to make political comments to those who can't 
do without them)