What Happened This Year 1988

People Who Died in 1988

Alec Issigonis

Car designer, creator of the Mini car
Born
November 18th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Greece and later residing in England, a prominent car designer developed the iconic Mini car in 1959. This compact vehicle became an automotive symbol of the 1960s and is celebrated for its innovative design and engineering. The designer worked for the British Motor Corporation (BMC), where the production of the Mini significantly impacted the automotive industry, blending efficiency with style. Contributing to multiple automotive projects, the designer's legacy is strongly tied to the Mini's lasting popularity.

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Gerd Arntz

Modernist artist, co-creator of Isotype
Born
December 11th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 88 years old

An artist associated with the modernist movement, contributed significantly to visual communication through the development of the Isotype (International System of Typographic Picture Education). The Isotype aimed to present information visually, utilizing simple and clear symbols to convey complex ideas. This system became influential in various fields, including education, sociology, and design. Arntz's work was characterized by bold graphics and a commitment to clarity, reflecting the ideals of the modernist aesthetic during the early to mid-20th century. Collaborated with other artists and thinkers to promote the use of visual language in presenting statistical data and social information.

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Wilfred Jackson

Animator and composer for Disney films
Born
January 24th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 82 years old

An animator and composer worked for Walt Disney Studios during the Golden Age of Animation. Contributed significantly to the production of animated features and shorts. Played a key role in the creation of several beloved Disney films, including "Pinocchio," "Bambi," and "Fantasia." Additionally, composed music for various projects in the Disney canon.

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Carmen Carbonell

Spanish stage and film actress
Born
March 19th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 88 years old

Carbonell began a career in acting in the early 20th century, primarily in Spanish theater and later in film. She rose to prominence during the golden age of Spanish cinema. Significant roles include performances in classics such as 'Los dos (1936)' and 'La verbena de la Paloma (1935)'. Her work contributed to the cultural landscape of Spanish performing arts during her era.

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Ernest Labrousse

Historian and economic historian
Born
March 16th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent figure in economic history, Labrousse emphasized the importance of social and economic factors in the French Revolution. Developed a comprehensive analysis of the revolution's socioeconomic dimensions. Contributed significantly to the historiography of France through a Marxist lens, focusing on the relationship between economic conditions and political change. His work promoted a detailed examination of historical statistics and economic data, which provided a more nuanced understanding of past events. Served as a professor and mentor to many historians, influencing the study of contemporary issues through historical perspective.

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Clifford Roach

Trinidadian cricketer and footballer
Born
March 13th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Trinidad in 1904, a cricketer and footballer excelled in both sports during the early 20th century. Represented the West Indies in cricket, participating in Test matches. Played actively for local clubs in Trinidad and also became involved in association football, being part of the Trinidad national team. His contributions to both cricket and football remain significant in Trinidad's sporting history.

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Werner Hartmann

German physicist and academic
Born
January 30th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1912, a physicist contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics. Worked at various institutions, including the German Atomic Energy Commission. Published extensively on topics related to nuclear structure and reactions. Played a critical role in post-war scientific research in Germany, particularly within the realms of theoretical and experimental physics. His efforts helped shape developments in nuclear energy and its applications.

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Pete Maravich

American basketball player and scorer
Born
June 22nd, 1947 78 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 41 years old

A prominent basketball player, excelled in collegiate and professional leagues. Played for Louisiana State University, achieving a record average of 44.2 points per game. Selected third overall in the 1970 NBA Draft. Played for the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, and Boston Celtics. Recognized for exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability, earning five NBA All-Star selections. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.

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Henfil

Brazilian journalist and illustrator
Born
February 5th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 44 years old

A Brazilian journalist, author, and illustrator contributed significantly to political satire through comic strips. Worked extensively in various publications, including 'O Pasquim', where humorous critiques of government and society were crafted. Also published graphic novels that influenced Brazilian literature and culture during the military dictatorship. Advocated for social justice and human rights through art and journalism.

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