David Helfgott

About

Concert pianist whose interpretations of Romantic-era composers were controversial. He suffered from schizoaffective disorder.

Before Fame

He was a six-time winner of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition.

Trivia

He spent 10 years in the Perth mental hospital, Graylands, after his first marriage fell apart.

Family Life

His father was his first instructor, beginning lessons with him at age five.

Associated With

His life was dramatized in the 1996 Australian film Shine in which he was played by Geoffrey Rush.