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David Helfgott

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Musician

The Resume

    (May 19, 1947- )
    Born in Melbourne, Australia
    Classical pianist
    Treated for schizoaffective disorder for most of the 1970s and early 80s
    Recorded the best-selling version of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto (1997)
    Portrayed by Geoffrey Rush in 'Shine' (1996)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was a child prodigy.
    His mental problems kept him from living up to his potential.
    His siblings have complained that the depiction of their father in 'Shine' is inaccurate.
    He often grunts and mutters noticeably during performances.
    After the release of 'Shine,' he had a very successful recording and concert career even though most critics feel his playing is quite poor.

Why he might not be annoying:

    In his teens, he won the state finals of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition six times.
    He overcame his mental illness to return to the stage.
    His audiences find his performances inspirational, regardless of critical opinion.
    His wife said, 'If you can show me a happier classical performer than David Helfgott, I would be very surprised.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 7 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 4 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 34 Votes: 61.76% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 29 Votes: 68.97% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 17 Votes: 35.29% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 8 Votes: 37.50% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 27 Votes: 37.04% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 27 Votes: 48.15% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 30 Votes: 56.67% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 40 Votes: 52.50% Annoying