⭐️ 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 academic achievements. They hosted several popular programs on science and science fiction, including "Temps X" from 1979 to 1989. The twins also published a book, "Dieu et la Science" (God and Science), which became a French bestseller in 1991. This book, drawn from interviews with Catholic philosopher Jean Guitton, sparked a plagiarism dispute with University of Virginia astronomy professor Trinh Xuan Thuan, who accused the Bogdanoffs of copying his 1988 book "The Secret Melody: And Man Created the Universe." The twins eventually settled out of court and denied any wrongdoing. The twins also held doctorates from the University of Burgundy, with Grichka obtaining his degree and Igor working towards his. They claimed to have received IQ scores above 190 as children and made unsubstantiated claims about their ancestry, including that their father was a descendant of a prince and that they had ancestral links to a noble Muslim Tatar Mirza from Penza that converted to Orthodox Christianity in exchange for a royal title from Tsar Feodor III.

what was the Bogdanov Affair about

The Bogdanov Affair was an academic controversy surrounding the physics papers written by French twins Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff. The twins, who were popular television personalities, published a series of theoretical physics papers in reputable scientific journals, claiming to have developed a theory explaining the Big Bang. However, the papers were widely criticized for being nonsensical and lacking scientific value. The controversy began in 2002 when rumors spread that the twins had intentionally published unintelligible research as a hoax to exploit weaknesses in the peer review system. The Bogdanoffs maintained that their work was legitimate, but the subsequent investigation revealed questionable decisions by academic institutions and journals that hosted their work, as well as intentional deception by the brothers. The affair raised questions about the efficacy of the peer review system and the validity of modern theoretical physics research.

how did the Bogdanov Affair impact the peer review system in academia

The Bogdanov Affair had significant implications for the peer review system in academia. The controversy surrounding the Bogdanov twins' physics papers and PhD theses highlighted several weaknesses in the system:

1. Questionable Refereeing: The Bogdanovs' work was initially praised by referees, who described it as original and containing interesting ideas. However, later investigations revealed that the referees had not thoroughly evaluated the papers, leading to concerns about the diligence and thoroughness of the refereeing process.
2. Lack of Transparency: The Bogdanovs' papers were published in reputable journals without being uploaded to the arXiv, a standard practice in the physics community. This lack of transparency raised questions about the attention given to the papers before the controversy broke out.
3. Inadequate Oversight: The academic institutions and journals that hosted the Bogdanovs' work were criticized for not providing adequate oversight. This included the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), which later concluded that the theses had no scientific value.
4. Hoax Allegations: The Bogdanovs' work was initially suspected to be a deliberate hoax, targeting weaknesses in the peer review system. While the twins denied any intentional deception, the incident raised concerns about the potential for such hoaxes and the need for more rigorous review processes.
5. Reflection on Standards: The affair prompted reflection among physicists about how and why the peer review system can fail. It also led to a reevaluation of standards and procedures, with some journals and institutions implementing changes to improve the quality and rigor of their refereeing processes.

Overall, the Bogdanov Affair highlighted the importance of transparency, thoroughness, and rigorous oversight in the peer review process to ensure the integrity of scientific research and academic publishing.

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 reflect on the significance of their lives and the enduring fascination they have held for many. 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. The twins' legacy extends beyond their television shows, as they have also been known for their scientific claims and their claims of royal ancestry. Their story serves as a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the unknown, leaving a lasting impact on those who have followed their journey.

In conclusion, the lives of Igor and Grichka Bogdanoff are a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring allure of the unknown. Their television shows, scientific claims, and claims of royal ancestry have captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on those who have followed their journey. As we bid farewell to this fascinating chapter in the lives of the Bogdanoff twins, we are reminded of the importance of exploring the complexities of celebrity and the enduring fascination with the mysterious and the unknown. The twins' story serves as a reminder that even the most enigmatic figures can leave a lasting legacy, and their lives will continue to captivate and intrigue us for years to come.

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: Born on August 29, 1949, in Saint-Lary, France, the twins were the sons of Yuri Mikhailovich Ostasenko Bogdanoff and Maria Dolores "Maya" Kolowrat-Krakowská. They were raised by their maternal grandmother, Countess Berta von Kolowrat-Krakowsky.
2. Education and Career: The twins studied applied mathematics before taking their science to television. They later earned doctorates in physics from the University of Burgundy, although their theses were met with criticism from the scientific community.
3. TV Shows and Popularity: The Bogdanoffs gained fame in the late 1970s with their TV show "Temps X," which ran from 1979 and featured science fiction and popular science content. They were known for their offbeat approach to science and their good looks, which made them a staple of French television.
4. Scientific Claims and Controversy: The twins made scientific claims, including a theory about the Big Bang, which was widely criticized by the scientific community. They were accused of plagiarism and their work was deemed to have no scientific value.
5. Later Life and Cosmetic Surgery: In the 1990s, the twins underwent significant changes in their facial features, which they attributed to experimental technologies rather than cosmetic surgery. They also faced defamation charges and lawsuits related to their scientific claims.
6. COVID-19 and Death: The twins died of COVID-19 within six days of each other in December 2021 and January 2022. They had refused to be vaccinated, believing their healthy lifestyle would protect them from the virus.

These events highlight the twins' unique blend of science, television, and controversy, which captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on French popular culture.