Controversial French TV famous twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff were inseparable in life, and in death. They had refused to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, believing their good health would save them, but were admitted to a hospital on the same day last month and diagnosed with Covid-19. 

The younger twin, Grichka, died in an intensive care unit on December 28. Igor followed him six days later on January 3. They were 72. 

The Bogdanoff twins were TV stars in France in the 1980s were inseparable, and they were in and out of the spotlight for most of their adult lives.

In 1979, they launched the first TV show entirely about science fiction, accused by academics of dumbing down science but it was that approach that made the show so popular with their audience.

Born of German and Austrian nobility on August 29, 1949 in southwest France., they were raised by their grandmother, a countess.

The two studied applied mathematics before taking their science to television. They later went on to scrape just enough points to earn doctorates in physics, though there was huge controversy surrounding their theses on the Big Bang theory and on space-time links. There were also accusations of plagiarism.

Later the two prompted speculation that they had undergone cosmetic surgery, as their prominent cheekbones and facial features became even more pronounced. They denied ever having surgery. However, seeking as always to maintain an air of mystery, they said they had experimented with unnamed “technologies” to enhance their features.

Asked about taking Covid vaccine, on French radio last month, Igor cited the controversial French Scientist Dr. Didier Raoult – the man who made hydroxychloroquine a household name. Raoult said he had more confidence in future vaccines than those available now, and Igor agreed that it was better to wait.

Former French Education and Research minister Luc Ferry, a long-time friend of the brothers said he had spoken with the twins about the vaccine and said they were not anti-vaxxers, but did not want to have the vaccines themselves, believing that their good health and fitness would save them from the virus, but perhaps not any ill effects of the vaccines.