What Happened This Year 1986
People Who Died in 1986
Julian Beck
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'.
Continue ReadingAdolfo Celi
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.
Continue ReadingAndré Barbeau
A prominent neurologist, contributions included research in Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Significant work involved studying the effects of neurotoxins and neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Engaged in numerous clinical trials to advance treatment options for various neurological disorders. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in neurology.
Continue ReadingLyudmila Rudenko
A prominent Soviet chess player who achieved significant recognition in the mid-20th century. Rudenko won the Women's World Chess Championship in 1950, becoming the second individual to hold the title. She was an accomplished tournament player, competing at a high level in numerous championships. Rudenko was also instrumental in the advancement of women's chess in the Soviet Union, participating in various team events and demonstrating an exceptional skillset in tactical play and endgame strategy.
Continue ReadingCorita Kent
A significant figure in American art and education, an innovative artist who combined religious themes with modern pop aesthetics. Served as an instructor at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles and utilized the medium of serigraphy to produce vibrant, engaging artwork. Famous for the use of typography in art, particularly in her serigraphs, which addressed social issues and the importance of peace and art. Her work included collaborations with various organizations and was celebrated in exhibitions across the United States.
Continue ReadingTim McIntire
An American actor and singer, contributions spanned stage and screen. Appeared in the 1973 film "American Graffiti" as Steve Bolander and played the title role in the 1979 television film "The Great Smokey Roadblock." Additionally, performed in various theatrical productions and contributed to music, notably through his work in the country genre. His versatility allowed for engagements in both acting and musical performances throughout his career.
Continue ReadingEllison Onizuka
An engineer and astronaut, contributed to space exploration as a NASA astronaut. Selected as one of the first members of the group of astronauts formed after the Apollo program. Flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist for STS-51-L in 1986. Part of the crew that tragically lost their lives in the Challenger disaster. Worked on various missions that included research in microgravity and telecommunications. Notably the first Asian American astronaut in space.
Continue ReadingIda Rhodes
Born in 1900, this American mathematician contributed significantly to computer programming. Rhodes developed algorithms and played a crucial role in early computing projects. She worked on the first program for the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), one of the earliest electronic general-purpose computers. Rhodes was also instrumental in the development of the first programming languages, laying foundational work for subsequent advancements in the field. The legacy includes pioneering methods that shaped future computer programming education and practices.
Continue ReadingAlexander Akimov
Worked as a senior control room operator at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Involved in the operation during the catastrophic accident on April 26, 1986. Played a pivotal role in managing the reactor's conditions and responding to the emergency. Subsequently faced severe health issues due to radiation exposure, leading to hospitalization and eventual death as a result of the disaster's aftermath.
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