What Happened This Year 1986

People Who Died in 1986

László Lékai

Archbishop of Esztergom and Cardinal
Born
March 12th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Esztergom and held the title of Cardinal within the Roman Catholic Church. Contributed to church leadership during a time of significant social change in Hungary. Worked towards the restoration of church properties and the re-establishment of religious institutions in post-World War II Hungary. Participated in various church councils and contributed to ecclesiastical discussions on pressing issues of the time.

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Bill Edrich

English cricketer and footballer
Born
March 26th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 70 years old

An English cricketer and footballer played for Middlesex and represented England in cricket from 1946 to 1956. In cricket, achieved notable success as a batsman, accruing over 5,000 runs, including several centuries. Also contributed to the game as a wicketkeeper. In football, played for the team Fulham, showcasing talents on the pitch during the late 1930s.

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Sammy Drechsel

German comedian and journalist
Born
April 25th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 61 years old

Born in Germany on April 25, 1925, a prominent figure in the realm of comedy and journalism emerged. Through a unique blend of humor and insightful commentary, this individual contributed significantly to the cultural landscape. A career marked by various performances and publications, with a focus on engaging with contemporary social issues, marked their legacy. Their work often challenged norms and entertained audiences across different platforms, solidifying a place in both the comedic and journalistic fields.

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Thad Jones

Trumpet player and jazz composer
Born
March 28th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1923, contributed significantly to the jazz genre as a trumpet player and composer. Played with the Count Basie Orchestra and led his own jazz ensemble, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. His compositions and arrangements displayed a unique blend of harmonies and rhythms that shaped modern big band music.

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Marlin Perkins

Zoologist and television host, Mutual of Omaha
Born
March 28th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 81 years old

A zoologist and television host, contributed to wildlife education and conservation through television. Hosted the television series 'Wild Kingdom' which aired from 1963 to 1988 and showcased exotic animals and their habitats. Worked at the St. Louis Zoo and played a significant role in promoting zoo practices and animal welfare. Influenced public interest in wildlife through engaging storytelling and on-location filming.

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Vladimir Kuznetsov

Javelin thrower, Olympic competitor
Born
April 2nd, 1931 93 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 55 years old

A javelin thrower achieved prominence in the sport during the mid-20th century. Competed for the Soviet Union in various international events, showcasing exceptional athletic skill. Secured a gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, marking a significant achievement in athletic history. Dominated national competitions and set multiple records during his career.

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Sulo Bärlund

Finnish shot putter and Olympian
Born
April 15th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 76 years old

Competed in the shot put discipline, achieving notable success during the 1930s. Participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where a strong performance brought international recognition. Secured the Finnish national championship title multiple times, demonstrating consistent excellence in the sport. Also represented Finland in various international competitions.

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Judith Resnik

American engineer and astronaut
Born
April 5th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 37 years old

An engineer and astronaut, contributed to advancements in space exploration through missions with NASA. Completed her first space flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984, becoming the second American woman in space. Tragically lost her life during the Challenger disaster in 1986, which occurred during her second space mission. Advocated for women in engineering and space careers throughout her professional life.

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Alfonso Thiele

Race car driver with notable achievements
Born
April 5th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1920, a Turkish-Italian race car driver who participated in various racing events during the mid-20th century. Competed in the Mille Miglia and other endurance races, showcasing skill in navigating challenging courses. Thiele's career included involvement in the early stages of the Formula One World Championship, contributing to the racing scene primarily in Italy. His tenure in motorsport reflects a commitment to the sport during a period of significant evolution in racing technology and competition.

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