What Happened This Year 1996

People Who Died in 1996

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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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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Joonas Kokkonen

Finnish pianist and composer, Symphony No. 1
Born
November 13th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Finland in 1921, contributed to the classical music landscape as a pianist and composer. Studied at the Helsinki University of Music. Notable works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and operas, which reflect the Finnish cultural identity. The Symphony No. 1 premiered in 1953 and received critical acclaim, showcasing unique melodic and harmonic structures. Additionally, Kokkonen composed an opera titled 'Viimeinen Temppeli' in 1972. He served as a professor at the Sibelius Academy, influencing a new generation of musicians until his passing in 1996.

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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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Dorothy Livesay

Canadian poet with notable works
Born
October 12th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 87 years old

This individual was a prominent Canadian poet, recognized for contributions to Canadian literature. Works spanned a range of themes from social justice to personal experience, reflecting deep engagement with the cultural and political landscape of the time. The poetry collection 'Signatures' became a significant work, showcasing lyrical prowess and innovative styles. Throughout a career that spanned over seven decades, the individual's writing evolved to address contemporary issues while maintaining a strong connection to earlier poetic forms. In addition to poetry, this person was involved in activism, advocating for women's rights and social causes, influencing generations of writers and poets.

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Morey Amsterdam

Actor and comedian in The Dick Van Dyke Show
Born
December 14th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1908, an American actor, singer, and screenwriter gained prominence as a comedian and television actor. Best recognized for the role of Buddy Sorrell on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', he contributed to the show's unique humor and charm. Amsterdam's career spanned several decades, beginning on the radio before transitioning to television and film. His distinctive style combined physical comedy with witty dialogue. Additionally, his work included various appearances in movies and guest spots on television series, boosting his visibility in the entertainment industry. Amsterdam also had success as a nightclub performer, showcasing his musical talents and comedic skills to live audiences. He left a significant mark on television comedy during the mid-20th century, becoming a well-respected figure in entertainment circles.

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Chen Jingrun

Chinese mathematician and academic
Born
May 22nd, 1933 92 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 63 years old

Contributed significantly to number theory and prime number research. Achieved notable progress in Goldbach's conjecture, proving that every sufficiently large even integer can be expressed as the sum of a prime and a number with at most two prime factors. Worked at various educational institutions and published numerous papers in mathematics. Actively received recognition for advancements in analytical number theory.

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Ralph Tubbs

English architect, designed the Dome of Discovery
Born
January 9th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 84 years old

An English architect played a significant role in modern architecture with a focus on innovative designs. The architect is best recognized for designing the Dome of Discovery, which was constructed for the Festival of Britain in 1951. This structure exemplified a bold approach to temporary architectural projects and showcased contemporary design ideologies. Besides the Dome, the architect contributed to various civic and commercial buildings throughout the United Kingdom and worked on several educational facilities. The focus was on creating spaces that enhanced communal and cultural experiences while blending modernist principles with functional needs.

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Tom Mees

Sportscaster with ESPN acclaim
Born
October 13th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent sportscaster, this individual joined ESPN in 1979 and became a well-recognized voice in sports broadcasting. Renowned for his work on programs such as 'SportsCenter' and coverage of Major League Soccer, this sportscaster helped popularize soccer in the United States. This individual also served as a commentator for various sports events, bringing a distinct style and authoritative voice to the industry. The contributions significantly shaped the landscape of sports media during the 1980s and 1990s.

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