Torben Ulrich was a renowned sportsman for many years – and also an author, jazz clarinettist, artist, filmmaker and father of a music icon. He has now died at the age of 95.
Heavy metal was in Torben Ulrich’s genes. You can see it in the pictures of his tennis career, in which he ended up on the court with a long mat and shaggy beard.
He was a fixed star in his home country of Denmark for many years, reportedly appearing in over 100 Davis Cup matches, and in 1977, at the age of 48, he was allegedly the oldest player ever to still be active in the traditional competition.
Between his late forties and seventies, Ulrich won several tournaments, was a regular at today’s Grand Slam competitions and later number 1 on the senior tour. A magazine cover once described him as the “ageless guru of the tennis tour”.
However, Torben Ulrich’s tennis career – who has now died at the age of 95 – was just one of many chapters in a special life. Torben Ulrich is also remembered as an author, artist, filmmaker and musician – and as the father of an even more famous music star: Lars Ulrich, drummer of Metallica.
Torben Ulrich was a tennis great and recognized author and artist
Parallel to his tennis career – the professional conditions of today were still a long way off when he was active – Frederiksburg-born Torben Ulrich also began a career as a journalist at the Reuters news agency. He became a writer for various music magazines – focusing on modern jazz – and also wrote about film, sport and culture.
Ulrich gained a wide reputation as an author, a collection of his articles was even published in book form in 2003, and further books with poetic texts followed. He was also a recognized jazz clarinettist, artist and also realized himself in various film and stage projects. He cultivated the guru look into old age
Famous son Lars Ulrich has now paid tribute to his late father on Instagram with a picture gallery of his father’s eventful life – and a personal obituary: “95 years of adventures, unique experiences, curiosity, pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, tennis, music, art … and a big slice of Danish counterculture. Endless thanks. I love you, Dad. “
