What Happened This Year 1952

Born in 1952

Rui Jordão

Footballer, 1986 World Cup participant
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
October 18th, 2019 5 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Angola, this footballer excelled as a striker, playing primarily for Sporting CP in Portugal and represented the national team in several international competitions. Made significant contributions to the club's success in domestic leagues and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Participated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup and showcased talents in various European leagues throughout his career.

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Ng Man-tat

Hong Kong actor in film and TV
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2021 4 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent figure in Hong Kong cinema, contributions included a long career in film and television, with a significant impact in the comedy genre. Collaborated frequently with Stephen Chow, contributing to the success of films such as 'Shaolin Soccer' and 'Kung Fu Hustle'. Also gained recognition for roles in television series, including 'Enjoy Yourself Tonight' and 'A Kindred Spirit'. Won multiple awards for performances and became a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

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Jack Wild

English actor, The Cowardly Lion
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
March 1st, 2006 19 years ago — 54 years old

An English actor gained prominence in the late 1960s for a leading role in the musical film 'Oliver!', portraying the character of The Artful Dodger. Achievements in television include a role in the series 'The Ghosts of Buxley Hall'. Wild's early success earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Later career featured performances in various stage productions and TV roles. Struggled with personal challenges in later years.

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Vijayakanth

Indian actor and politician
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2023 1 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in Tamil cinema and politics, this individual served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in Tamil Nadu. The film career began in the early 1990s, with notable performances in films such as 'Enthiran' and 'Kavalan'. Transitioning to politics, a political party was founded, and the individual contested in several elections, securing a seat in the Tamil Nadu assembly. The individual’s work spanned decades, with a reputation built in both film and political arenas.

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Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev

Chechen politician, 2nd President of Ichkeria
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2004 21 years ago — 52 years old

A politician served as the second President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria from 1997 to 1998. Yandarbiyev played a significant role during the Chechen conflicts, advocating for Chechnya's independence from Russia. Following the conflicts, he became an opponent of Russian policies regarding Chechnya, contributing to the Chechen separatist movement. Exiled in various countries due to political tensions, his leadership was marked by a commitment to Chechen self-determination and governance. Yandarbiyev was assassinated in Qatar in 2004.

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Bill Stewart

American football coach, West Virginia University
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2012 13 years ago — 60 years old

Coached a college football team and led the program to notable success. Served as the head coach for West Virginia University from 2008 to 2012. Achieved a winning record during tenure and secured a victory in the 2012 Orange Bowl against Clemson. His coaching career included prior positions at several universities, contributing to the development of various players in college football.

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Billy Powell

Keyboard player for Lynyrd Skynyrd
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2009 16 years ago — 57 years old

An American keyboard player and songwriter played a significant role in the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Joined the band in the early 1970s, contributing to the band's distinctive sound with synthesizers and piano. Participated in the band's albums, including 'Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd' and 'Second Helping.' Survived the tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of several band members and later returned to the band, continuing to perform until his death in 2009.

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Oliver Mtukudzi

Zimbabwean Afro Jazz musician
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2019 6 years ago — 67 years old

An influential Afro Jazz musician and composer, celebrated for blending traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary styles. Pioneered the genre known as 'Tuku Music', which incorporates various musical influences while retaining cultural roots. Released over 60 albums throughout a career spanning several decades. Frequently performed at international festivals and collaborated with various artists across the world.

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Roman Juszkiewicz

Polish astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
January 28th, 2012 13 years ago — 60 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Conducted extensive research on cosmology, focusing on the structure and evolution of the Universe. Helped advance understanding of the role of gravitational lensing in the study of galaxies. Contributed to several scholarly articles and was involved in various national and international scientific collaborations.

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