📢 The Soi-Disant Princely Bogdanoff Twins: A Legacy of Intrigue and Controversy

The lives of the Bogdanoff twins, Igor and Grichka, were marked by a peculiar blend of glamour and controversy. Born in 1949, the twins rose to fame in the 1980s with their television show "Temps X," which captivated audiences with its unique blend of science fiction and philosophical themes. Despite their success, the twins' personal lives were shrouded in mystery, with many questioning their true identities and backgrounds. This enigmatic aura surrounding the twins has only added to their allure, making them a fascinating subject for those interested in the intersection of celebrity and intrigue.

As the world mourns the loss of these two enigmatic figures, it is essential to examine the life and legacy of the Bogdanoff twins. From their early days as television personalities to their later years as self-proclaimed princes, the twins' journey is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the unknown. This article will delve into the life of Igor and Grichka, exploring the myths and realities surrounding their lives and the impact they had on popular culture. By examining their story, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of celebrity and the enduring fascination with the mysterious and the unknown.

what were the Bogdanoff twins' most notable achievements

The Bogdanoff twins, Igor and Grichka, were notable for their television shows and scientific claims. They hosted several popular programs on science and science fiction, including "Temps X" from 1979 to 1989. They also published a book, "Dieu et la Science" ("God and Science"), which became a French bestseller. The book, drawn from interviews with Catholic philosopher Jean Guitton, sparked controversy when University of Virginia astronomy professor Trinh Xuan Thuan accused the Bogdanoffs of plagiarizing his 1988 book "The Secret Melody: And Man Created the Universe." The twins also claimed to have doctorates in mathematics and theoretical physics from the University of Burgundy, although these claims were disputed by many in the scientific community.

what was the Bogdanov Affair about

The Bogdanov Affair was a significant academic controversy surrounding the legitimacy of a series of theoretical physics papers written by French twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff. The papers, published in reputable scientific journals, were alleged by the authors to culminate in a proposed theory for describing what occurred at the Big Bang. However, many physicists accused the work of being nonsensical and lacking any scientific value. The controversy began in 2002 when rumors spread that the work was a deliberate hoax intended to target weaknesses in the peer review system. The Bogdanoff brothers defended their work, but the debate over its validity spread widely across the internet and mainstream media, ultimately leading to criticism of the peer review system and the competence of the academic community.

how did the Bogdanov Affair impact the Bogdanoff twins' careers

The Bogdanov Affair significantly impacted the careers of the Bogdanoff twins, Igor and Grichka. The controversy began in 2002 when rumors spread that their theoretical physics papers, published in reputable journals, were a deliberate hoax intended to target weaknesses in the peer review system. The twins defended their work, but the debate over its validity spread widely across the internet and mainstream media, ultimately leading to criticism of the peer review system and the competence of the academic community. The Bogdanov Affair led to several consequences for the twins:

1. Loss of Academic Credibility: The controversy damaged the twins' academic credibility, as many physicists questioned the legitimacy of their work. The Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) internal report concluded that their theses had no scientific value.
2. Public Perception: The twins' reputation suffered due to the public perception that they had engaged in a deliberate hoax. This perception was fueled by the widespread coverage of the controversy in the media, which further eroded their credibility.
3. Impact on Science Popularization: The Bogdanov Affair also led to criticism of the twins' approach to science popularization. Their TV shows and books, which had once been well-received, were now seen as promoting pseudoscience and undermining the credibility of legitimate scientific research.
4. Personal Lives: The controversy likely affected the twins' personal lives as well. They were known for their flamboyant lifestyle and their claims of royal ancestry, which were also subject to scrutiny during the affair.

In summary, the Bogdanov Affair significantly impacted the Bogdanoff twins' careers by damaging their academic credibility, public perception, and approach to science popularization, ultimately affecting their personal lives as well.

Grichka and Igor in the 1990s.

Within the space of less than a week, the well-known Bogdanoff twins, Grichka and Igor, died as the result of complications from Covid-19; the brothers were not vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. The Bogdanoffs had been admitted to the Hôpital Georges-Pompidou in Paris on 15 December. Grichka died on 28 December 2020; Igor followed his twin into eternity on 3 January 2021. The brothers Bogdanoff were seventy-two years-old.

Igor and Grichka on the set of their TV show Temps X, 1980.

Photo (c) Jean Paul Guilloteau / Getty Images.

Born on 29 August 1949 at Saint-Lary, France, the twins Igor Yurevich Bogdanoff and Grichka Yurevich Bogdanoff were the sons of Yuri Mikhailovich Ostasenko Bogdanoff (1928–2012) and Maria Dolores "Maya" Kolowrat-Krakowská (1926–1982). 

 

The twins' maternal grandfather, Roland Hayes.

The twins' maternal grandmother, Countess Berta von Kolowrat-Krakowsky.

Their paternal grandparents were Mikhail Borisovich Bogdanov and Anna Osten-Sacken. Their maternal grandparents were Roland Wiltse Hayes (1887-1977) and Countess Bertha von Kolowrat-Krakowský (1890-1982; formerly married to Count Hieronymus von Colloredo-Mannsfeld). Igor and Grichka were raised by their maternal grandmother.

 

Ludmilla d'Oultremont with her daughters Sacha and Anna, 2009.

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Photo (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff.

In 1989, Igor Bogdanoff married Countess Ludmilla d’Oultremont (b.1965), the second daughter and child of Count Marc-Antoine d’Oultremont (1927-2005) and Countess Maria-Theresia von Galen (b.1938). Igor and Ludmilla had three children: Sacha Maria Bogdanoff (b.1989), Anna Claria Bogdanoff (b.1991), and Wenceslas Bogdanoff (b.1994). Igor and Ludmilla divorced in 1997.  

 

Igor and Amélie, 2015. Photo (c) Getty Images / Bertrand Rindoff Petroff.

In 2009, Igor Bogdanoff married Amélie de Bourbon-Parme (b.1977), the daughter of Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma (1926-2018) and Laure Le Bourgeois (b.1950). The wedding took place at the Chateau de Chambord and was attended by the bride's half-sister Princess Hélène of Yugoslavia. Igor and Amélie had two sons: Alexandre Bogdanoff (b.2011) and Constantin Bogdanoff (b.2014). Igor and Amélie separated in 2016 and divorced in 2018.

 

Geneviève Grad, 1964. Photo (c) Getty Images.

From a previous relationship, Igor Bogdanoff and French actress Geneviève Grad (b.1944) had a son, Dimitri Bogdanoff (b.1976).

 

The Bogdanoffs, 2004. Photo (c) Getty Images / Stephane Cardinale.

May the Brothers Bogdanoff Rest in Peace.

 

Sources:

Ancestry of Igor and Grichka Bogdanov

Il y a dix ans, le mariage extraterrestre d'Igor Bogdanoff et Amélie de Bourbon-Parme

TV star Igor Bogdanoff dies from Covid days after brother Grichka

Roland Hayes and the Countess

As we conclude our exploration of the soi-disant princely Bogdanoff twins, Igor and Grichka, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact they left on the world of science and entertainment. Their lives, marked by both glamour and controversy, have captivated audiences and sparked intense debate. The twins' television show "Temps X" remains a testament to their innovative approach to science communication, which continues to inspire new generations of scientists and science enthusiasts. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the unknown. The Bogdanoff twins' story is a fascinating example of how individuals can transcend their roles and leave a lasting imprint on popular culture. **The Soi-Disant Princely Bogdanoff Twins** have left behind a rich tapestry of memories and achievements that continue to fascinate and intrigue us.

As we bid farewell to this captivating chapter in the lives of the Bogdanoff twins, we are reminded of the importance of embracing the complexities and mysteries that surround us. The twins' journey, marked by both triumph and controversy, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human curiosity and the boundless potential of the human imagination. Their legacy continues to inspire and intrigue us, inviting us to explore the unknown and to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. **The Soi-Disant Princely Bogdanoff Twins** will always be remembered as pioneers in the realm of science communication, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and science. Their story is a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown and the power of human imagination to shape our understanding of the world.

what were the key events in the lives of the Bogdanoff twins

The key events in the lives of the Bogdanoff twins, Igor and Grichka, include:

1. Birth and Early Life: The twins were born on August 29, 1949, in Saint-Lary, France. They were the sons of Yuri Mikhailovich Ostasenko Bogdanoff and Maria Dolores "Maya" Kolowrat-Krakowská. Their mother, Maya, was the daughter of Countess Berta von Kolowrat-Krakowsky and had a complicated family history involving an affair with African American tenor Roland Hayes.
2. Education and Early Career: The twins completed degrees in mathematics and published their first book, Clefs pour la science-fiction, in 1976. This book was a study of science fiction as a literary genre. They then co-hosted the sci-fi show Temps X on TF1 from 1979 to 1986, appearing on camera in spacesuit costumes.
3. Scientific Work and Controversy: The Bogdanoffs earned PhDs in mathematics and theoretical physics, respectively, from the prestigious École Polytechnique and the University of Bourgogne in 1999 and 2000. Their scientific work, particularly a theory about the origins of the universe, was widely criticized and led to the "Bogdanoff Affair," which questioned the legitimacy of their research and the peer review system.
4. Television Shows and Popularity: The twins hosted several popular science and sci-fi television shows, including Temps X and Rayons X. They became well-known in France for their eccentricity and their evolving facial features, which they denied were the result of cosmetic surgery.
5. Death: The twins died of Covid-19 complications within six days of each other. Grichka died on December 28, 2021, and Igor followed on January 3, 2022, both at the age of 72. They were unvaccinated against the novel coronavirus.

These key events highlight the twins' journey from their early life and education to their rise to fame in French television and their later scientific controversies, ultimately culminating in their tragic deaths from Covid-19.