What Happened This Year 1986
People Who Died in 1986
László Lékai
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.
Continue ReadingBill Edrich
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.
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 ReadingSammy Drechsel
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.
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.
Continue ReadingColuche
A prominent figure in French comedy, this individual founded the popular comedy character known as Coluche and significantly influenced French humor throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Alongside a successful stand-up career, the comedian starred in notable films, including 'Tchao Pantin', which earned the César Award for Best Actor. The character represented a satirical and often irreverent voice, resonating with audiences and sparking discussions on societal issues. In 1985, the individual initiated a charity campaign, 'Les Restos du Cœur', providing meals to those in need, further solidifying a legacy beyond entertainment.
Continue ReadingThad Jones
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.
Continue ReadingMarlin Perkins
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.
Continue ReadingVladimir Kuznetsov
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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