What Happened This Year 1986

People Who Died in 1986

Sippie Wallace

American blues singer and pianist
Born
November 1st, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1898, a significant figure in the early blues music scene. Gained recognition for piano skills and powerful vocal style. Recorded numerous tracks, contributing to the development of classic blues. Collaborated with other notable artists and influenced later musicians. Her work during the 1920s, especially with the 1923 recording 'Up the Country Blues,' showcased her unique blend of jazz and blues.

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Adolfo Celi

Italian actor and director in cinema
Born
July 27th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 64 years old

Began a career in theatre before transitioning to film and television. Gained prominence with roles in Italian cinema and Hollywood. Portrayed Emilio Largo in the James Bond film "Thunderball". Worked extensively in both Italian and international productions.

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Lyudmila Pakhomova

Russian ice dancer and Olympian
Born
December 31st, 1946 78 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 40 years old

An accomplished ice dancer, this athlete excelled in competitive figure skating in the 1970s and 1980s. Pakhomova partnered with Alexander Gorshkov to achieve significant success in the sport, capturing several titles. The duo secured gold at the 1970 World Championships, earned Olympic gold in 1976, and won multiple European Championships. The innovative style and technical precision displayed in performances set a standard in ice dance. This dancer's contribution to the sport remains influential, as the techniques and artistry developed are still referenced in ice dance today.

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Brian Aherne

English actor in classic films
Born
May 2nd, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 84 years old

An English actor active from the 1920s to the 1960s, primarily recognized for roles in classic films. Achieved acclaim for performances in 'The Man Who Knew Too Much' and 'Riptide'. Noticed for work in both British and American cinema, spanning across various genres. Collaborated with notable directors and actors, showcasing a versatile range throughout his career. Later transitioned to stage performances, including productions in London's West End.

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Bobby Layne

American football quarterback and coach
Born
December 19th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 60 years old

Played professional American football as a quarterback primarily with the Detroit Lions. Led the Lions to three NFL championships in the 1950s. Transitioned into coaching after retirement from playing, sharing insights gained throughout a successful career in the league. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, highlighting a significant impact on the sport and recognition among peers.

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Julian Beck

American actor and theatre director
Born
May 31st, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 61 years old

An actor and director who co-founded the Living Theatre, which was influential in experimenting with the boundaries of traditional theatre. Directed and performed in productions that sought to explore the intersection of art and social issues. Was a prominent figure in the avant-garde theatre movement during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to work in theatre, appeared in films, including 'The Night of the Iguana' and 'The Amityville Horror'.

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J. Allen Hynek

Astronomer and UFO researcher
Born
May 1st, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of unidentified flying objects. Developed the 'Hynek classification system' to categorize UFO sightings. Served as a scientific advisor for the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which investigated UFO reports. Established the Center for UFO Studies in 1973 to investigate reported sightings using scientific methods. Authored several books on the subject, including 'The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry'.

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Masti Venkatesha Iyengar

Indian author with notable literary works
Born
June 6th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 95 years old

Contributed significantly to Kannada literature through various novels, essays, and translations. Focused on social themes, cultural issues, and the richness of Kannada language. Worked as an academic, promoting literary studies and cultural awareness. Had a key role in elevating modern Kannada fiction and wrote extensively on literary criticism. Was also involved in the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi, playing an integral role in encouraging writers and fostering literary talent.

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P. D. Eastman

Children's author and illustrator
Born
November 25th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 77 years old

An American author and illustrator contributed significantly to children's literature. The career featured works that combined simple text with engaging illustrations, making reading accessible and enjoyable for young audiences. Produced a range of beloved children’s books, such as 'Go, Dog. Go!' and 'Are You My Mother?', which became staples in early childhood education. Eastman’s illustrations and storytelling helped shape early reading experiences for countless children.

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