NEW : Obama : ` ` Like millions around the world , I was moved by his words and actions '' The anti - Communist dissident got into politics partly through his love of rock and roll . He had a puckish sense of humor and a deeply serious mind . He became President of Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution .
NEW : Obama : `` Like millions around the world , I was inspired by his words and leadership '' The anti-Communist dissident got into politics partly through his love of rock and roll . He had a puckish sense of humor and a deeply serious mind . He became president of Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution .