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John Massis (4 June 1940 – 12 July 1988) was a Flemish strongman and teeth-acrobat. His real name was Wilfried Morbée.
Massis specialized in bending iron with his teeth. He also performed stunts where he lifted cars, pulled trains and stopped motorbikes and even helicopters and hot air balloons with his teeth. This resulted in several entries in the Guinness World Records book. He even stopped 4 small sport planes of lifting off in 4 different directions.
In 1980 he started pirate radio "Radio Superstar" and also recorded the song ''John Massis de krachtpatser''. In 1987 he recorded ''Zet er je tanden in'', with
John Massis (4 June 1940 – 12 July 1988) was a Flemish strongman and teeth-acrobat. His real name was Wilfried Morbée.
Massis specialized in bending iron with his teeth. He also performed stunts where he lifted cars, pulled trains and stopped motorbikes and even helicopters and hot air balloons with his teeth. This resulted in several entries in the Guinness World Records book. He even stopped 4 small sport planes of lifting off in 4 different directions.
In 1980 he started pirate radio "Radio Superstar" and also recorded the song ''John Massis de krachtpatser''. In 1987 he recorded ''Zet er je tanden in'', with Willy Sommers
Willy Sommers (born Willy Jeanne Jean De Gieter in Uccle, Belgium on 9 August 1952) is a Flanders, Flemish singer and television presenter. He sings Schlager music and is described as an "unsophisticated crooner". His hits include "Zeven Anjers Z ...
.
In 1983 he also funded a political party called ''Positief Radicalen'' in Dutch or ''Positive Radicals''.
He had a few roles too in the Flemish films ''The Leeuw Van Vlaanderen'' (1984) and ''Merlina''
In 2004 Johan Heldenbergh
Johan Heldenbergh (born 9 February 1967) is a Belgian actor, playwright, screenwriter, theatre director and film director. He gained international fame by starring in films, including ''A Day in a Life'' (2007), '' Moscow, Belgium'' (2008), '' T ...
performed a play based on Massis' life: ''Massis, the musical''.
In 2005 he became number 172 on the list of the most famous Belgian ever in history.
He was also a source of inspiration for the cartoonist Pirana in the 80's to draw "Het Land Zonder Tanden" (1986). They were also close personal friends.
He also made an appearance in the Kiekeboe-album ''De spray-historie'' (1988) with cartoon character "John Massif".
In 1999 the band ''Noordkaap
Noordkaap were a Belgian rock band, led by singer Stijn Meuris. Their best-known songs include "Ik Hou Van U" and "Satelliet S.U.Z.Y."
History
Noordkaap was founded in 1990 by Stijn Meuris, Lars Van Bambost, Erik Sterckx, Wim De Wilde, and Nico ...
'' referred to John Massis by naming their album ''Massis''.
Death
Because of his unknown and therefore untreated diabetes condition Massis was found by the local police in a delirium. He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. With waning media interest and diabetes undermining his condition, he committedsuicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and s ...
at the age of 48 officially on the 12th of July 1988. To make a statement he actually committed suicide on 11 July which is the day of the Flemish Community. He was found only the day after by his sisters Godelieve and Erna Morbée.
External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Massis, John 1940 births 1988 deaths 1988 suicides Belgian stunt performers People associated with physical culture Entertainers from Bruges Suicides in Belgium