What Happened This Year 1991

People Who Died in 1991

John Carter

American jazz clarinetist and composer
Born
September 24th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 62 years old

Accomplished as a clarinet player, saxophonist, and flute player, contributed significantly to jazz music. Participated in various ensembles and collaborations throughout the career, building a prominent presence in the jazz scene. Recorded multiple albums under own name and worked with various artists, elevating the art of improvisation and expression. His work helped bridge traditional and contemporary jazz styles.

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Gordon Bashford

Engineer, co-designed Range Rover
Born
August 27th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 75 years old

An English engineer contributed to automotive design, especially through work with Land Rover. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Range Rover, introduced in 1970, which became a significant model in the luxury SUV market. This vehicle combined performance and off-road capability, influencing future designs in the automotive industry. Over decades, involvement in various engineering projects led to advancements in vehicle design and technology.

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Armand Frappier

Canadian microbiologist with notable research
Born
November 26th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 87 years old

One of the key figures in microbiology, conducted vital research on vaccines and infectious diseases. Established the Research Institute of McGill University in Montreal, focusing on virology and immunology. Contributed significantly to the development of the vaccine against typhoid fever and studied various viruses. Advocated for public health improvement and advanced scientific education in Canada.

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Ronald Lacey

English actor in 'The Life of Brian'
Born
September 28th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1935, this English actor gained prominence for performances in film and television. Notable appearances included roles in 'The Life of Brian', where he portrayed the character of an interrogator, and 'The New Avengers', highlighting versatility in both comedic and serious genres. His career spanned several decades, showcasing a range of characters across various productions, contributing significantly to British television and film during his active years.

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Joan Caulfield

American actress and model prominent in films
Born
June 1st, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 69 years old

One of the leading actresses in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. She began her career as a model before transitioning to film, making a mark in several romantic comedies and dramas. Notable works include performances in 'The Unsuspected', 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir', and 'Since You Went Away'. Also appeared on Broadway, gaining recognition for stage performances. Her contributions to the film and television industry are highlighted by an extensive body of work that spanned multiple decades.

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Emily McLaughlin

American actress in soap operas
Born
December 1st, 1928 96 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 63 years old

An American actress recognized for her work in television and film. Achieved significant fame for the role of Jessie Brewer on the soap opera 'General Hospital,' becoming a fixture in the show's narrative from 1963 until 1990. Also appeared in other television series, contributing to early 1960s cinema with notable performances.

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Miran Bakhsh

Pakistani cricketer with substantial contributions
Born
April 20th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1907, contributed significantly to cricket in Pakistan. Played as a left-arm orthodox spinner, securing a place in the national cricket team. Participated in first-class cricket, demonstrating skill and dedication to the sport. Represented Pakistan in early international matches, becoming part of the foundation of cricket in the country, which would grow into a prominent cricketing nation.

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Gordon Chalk

Australian politician and Premier of Queensland
Born
May 16th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the 30th Premier of Queensland from 1966 to 1968. Held various ministerial roles in Queensland Parliament including Minister for Transport and Minister for Education. Contributed to significant transport and education reforms during tenure. Was a member of the Liberal Party throughout political career.

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Ken Curtis

Actor in 'Gunsmoke' and singer
Born
July 2nd, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 75 years old

Curtis was an American actor and singer, best recognized for portraying Festus Haggen on the television series 'Gunsmoke' from 1964 to 1975. He also enjoyed a successful career in music, recording numerous country songs and performing with the famous cowboy group, Sons of the Pioneers. Born in 1916, he began his career in the 1940s, appearing in several Western films and television series. Curtis's work in 'Gunsmoke' solidified his status as a recognizable figure in American pop culture. He continued to perform in various Westerns throughout the 1960s and 1970s before retiring from acting.

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