What Happened This Year 1959

Born in 1959

Sanjay Surkar

Director and screenwriter of Marathi cinema
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2012 13 years ago — 53 years old

Directed films primarily in Marathi cinema, contributing significantly to the industry. Wrote and directed several acclaimed movies that resonated with audiences. Work included socially relevant themes and explored various aspects of Maharashtrian culture. Recognized for crafting compelling narratives and character-driven stories.

Continue Reading

Guru Dhanapal

Indian director and producer of films
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
April 18th, 2014 12 years ago — 55 years old

This individual directed and produced several notable films in the Tamil film industry. The work in cinema spanned multiple genres, contributing to the growth and popularity of Tamil films. Talents included collaboration with various actors and technical teams to create impactful stories. Active in the film industry for many decades, projects often featured innovative narratives and strong character development.

Continue Reading

Orlando Woolridge

Basketball player and coach, NBA veteran
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2012 14 years ago — 53 years old

A professional basketball player and coach contributed significantly to the sport. Played college basketball at Notre Dame before being selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1981 NBA Draft. Played as a forward for multiple teams, including the New Jersey Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for a scoring ability and athleticism throughout a career that spanned over a decade. Transitioned into coaching after retirement from playing, guiding teams in various capacities. His contributions to the game continue to be recognized within the basketball community.

Continue Reading

Fabián Bielinsky

Argentinian director and screenwriter.
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
June 29th, 2006 19 years ago — 47 years old

Bielinsky directed and wrote films, becoming a prominent figure in Argentinian cinema. His debut feature, 'Nueve Reinas' (Nine Queens), released in 2000, received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. The film's intricate plot and character development showcased a blend of suspense and dark humor. Bielinsky's second film, 'El Aura', further solidified his reputation, receiving numerous accolades and establishing him as a master of the thriller genre. Bielinsky's work was characterized by meticulous storytelling and a unique perspective on morality and deception.

Continue Reading

Steve Strange

Welsh singer and band frontman
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2015 11 years ago — 56 years old

This singer gained prominence as the frontman of the synth-pop band Visage, which formed in the early 1980s. The band achieved commercial success with the iconic single 'Fade to Grey', released in 1980, which became a significant hit in several countries. In addition to his work with Visage, he was influential in the New Romantic movement and contributed to the music scene through various collaborations and performances. After the initial success of Visage, he also worked on solo projects and collaborated with other artists throughout his career. He continued to be active in the music industry until his later years.

Continue Reading

Aleksei Balabanov

Russian Director and Screenwriter, Brother
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 13 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to Russian cinema. Achieved renown with films such as 'Brother' and 'Brother 2', which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Created a unique style characterized by dark humor and social commentary. Worked extensively within the Russian film industry, influencing a generation of filmmakers. His films often explored themes of morality, crime, and the human condition, reflecting the tumultuous societal changes in Russia during the 1990s.

Continue Reading

Miki Matsubara

Japanese composer and singer
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
October 7th, 2004 21 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese music, contributed to the city pop genre during the 1980s. Gained recognition for the hit single 'Plastic Love', which became a defining song of the era. Beyond singing, engaged in songwriting and composing, collaborating with various artists. Continued to influence music even after passing in 2004, with a resurgence of interest in city pop in the 21st century.

Continue Reading

Vanity

Singer-songwriter and actress, Purple Rain
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2016 10 years ago — 57 years old

A Canadian-American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress rose to fame in the 1980s. Formed the music group Vanity 6, achieving commercial success with the hit single 'Nasty Girls'. Acted in the film 'Purple Rain' alongside Prince, contributing to the film's cultural significance. Released several solo albums, including 'Wild Animal'. Transitioned from music to acting, making guest appearances on various television shows throughout her career. Became known for her striking presence and contributions to the music and film industries until her death in 2016.

Continue Reading

Kidd Kraddick

Radio host and media personality
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 54 years old

This individual became a prominent radio host recognized for the nationally syndicated morning radio show, The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show. The show aired for over 20 years, gaining a large audience and influencing the landscape of morning radio. Aside from radio, this person ventured into television, hosting the reality show Kidd's Kids on the WB network. Philanthropic efforts included the establishment of the Kidd's Kids charity, which aimed to provide trips for children with chronic illnesses. His charisma and engaging style made the show a staple in many households until his passing in 2013.

Continue Reading