What Happened This Year 1996

People Who Died in 1996

William Vickrey

Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 21st, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 82 years old

An economist and academic contributed to the theory of incentive systems and auction design. Vickrey's work on the theory of second-price auctions established foundational concepts in auction theory. He received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1996 for his analysis of incentives under asymmetric information and for his contributions to auction theory. Vickrey served as a professor at Columbia University and was actively involved in various economic research initiatives throughout his career.

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Fearless Nadia

Actress and stuntwoman in Indian cinema
Born
January 8th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 88 years old

An Australian-Indian actress and stuntwoman, contributed significantly to Hindi cinema, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. Gained fame for performing daring stunts in films, which was unusual for women at the time. Starred in multiple successful films that blended action and adventure, becoming a cultural icon in Indian film history. Pioneered women's roles in action films and established herself as a symbol of bravery and empowerment within the film industry.

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Ernest Bender

American Indologist and author
Born
January 2nd, 1919 106 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of Indology. Focused on the study of Hinduism, Sanskrit, and Indian literature. Published multiple works that influenced academic discourse. Served as a professor at various institutions, fostering a deeper understanding of Indian culture and texts.

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Scott Brayton

Race car driver, Indianapolis 500 participant
Born
February 20th, 1959 66 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 37 years old

Achieved significant success as a race car driver, primarily competing in the IndyCar series. Raced for several teams, including the legendary Team Menard. Competed in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times, with notable finishes that highlighted a strong career in motorsport. Tragically, an accident during a practice session led to a fatal incident in 1992, cutting short a promising career.

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Hank Biasatti

Baseball and basketball player
Born
January 14th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 74 years old

Played professional baseball and basketball during the mid-20th century. Competed in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics and became a prominent figure in the Canadian basketball scene. Participated in the National Basketball League and contributed to the growth of both sports in Canada. Successfully transitioned between baseball and basketball, showcasing versatility in athletics.

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Phyllis Pearsall

English cartographer and author of A-Z maps
Born
September 25th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 90 years old

Significant contributions were made in cartography, with the creation of the A-Z series of street maps for London. The first London A-Z was published in 1936, revolutionizing navigation within the city. Detailed and user-friendly, these maps became essential for residents and visitors alike. Pearsall was also an accomplished painter and writer, blending artistic skills with her mapping expertise. These works reflected both practical and artistic elements, showcasing her talents in multiple fields.

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Pilar Lorengar

Soprano and actress from Spain
Born
January 16th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 68 years old

Award-winning soprano and actress gained recognition for performances in operas and concerts. Gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially admired for interpretations of Spanish classical music. Worked with major opera houses and orchestras throughout Europe and the Americas. Achieved acclaim for appearances in productions such as 'Carmen' and 'Tosca'. Contributed to the promotion of Spanish music in the wider operatic repertoire.

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Gottfried von Einem

Austrian composer and pianist
Born
January 24th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 78 years old

Worked as a composer and pianist, contributing significantly to 20th-century classical music. Created operas, concertos, and chamber music that highlighted dramatic themes and complex structures. Gained recognition for operatic works such as 'Der Prozess' based on Franz Kafka's novel and received numerous awards, including the Austrian State Prize for Music. Served as a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, influencing future generations of musicians.

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Guy Madison

American film and television actor
Born
January 19th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 74 years old

An American actor gained prominence during the 1940s and 1950s. Madison starred in numerous Western films, becoming a prominent figure in the genre. Lead roles in films such as 'The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok' and 'The Brand of the Devil' showcased his popularity. He portrayed Wild Bill Hickok in the television series of the same name, which aired in the 1950s. Madison's career spanned several decades, with appearances in various films and television shows that significantly contributed to the Western genre's appeal. Despite a decline in film roles in the 1960s, his legacy in Hollywood remains notable.

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