Belgian pie-thrower, scourge of celebrities, dies at 80
BRUSSELS: Belgian comedian Noel Godin, who made a name throwing custard pies at celebrities from French film legend Jean-Luc Godard to tech titan Bill Gates, has died at the age of 80, his partner told AFP Monday.
Belgian comedian Noel Godin, known as the Pie-thrower and the Glooper for his penchant for lobbing custard pies at celebrities, has passed away at the age of 80, according to his partner Sylvie Broodthaers. Godin, who earned his nickname from his cries of "Gloop! Gloop!" after each strike, targeted numerous high-profile figures over more than three decades.
His notorious campaign began in 1969 when he threw a pie in the face of French author Marguerite Duras. Notable targets included French film legend Jean-Luc Godard, tech titan Bill Gates, future French president Nicolas Sarkozy, and French presidential candidate Jean-Pierre Chevenement. Despite offers of monetary compensation from various targets, Godin firmly refused to participate as a mercenary, describing his actions as a form of burlesque pacifism.
In 2002, his pineapple-flavored throw at Chevenement led to pie-throwing being classified as a criminal offense in France. Godin's final appeal against his conviction was rejected by France's highest court, prompting over 1,000 supporters to rally and raise funds to cover his legal expenses. Reflecting on his career, Godin once remarked, "When he's no longer around, I'll be at a loss."
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