Satinský dies at 61

Július Satinský, a famous Slovak comedian, actor and writer, died yesterday in Bratislava after a long illness, aged 61.As part of a comedy and acting duo with Milan Lasica since 1959, Satinský both wrote and appeared in films and plays, some of which were censored by the communist regime. He also wrote several satirical and documentary books, and in 2002 was given a state award for his lifetime contribution to Slovak culture."I've lost a mate and a partner, and with him a piece of myself," said Lasica on hearing of Satinský's death.