What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Lawton Chiles

American politician, Florida Governor
Born
April 3rd, 1930 94 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the 41st Governor of Florida from 1991 to 1998. Prior to the gubernatorial role, held positions as a U.S. Senator from 1971 to 1989 and a U.S. Representative from 1970 to 1971. Developed a reputation for advocating health care reform and environmental issues. Worked as an attorney after serving in the military during the Korean War.

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Morris Udall

American politician and congressman
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1998 26 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a congressman for Arizona from 1961 to 1991. Played a key role in environmental legislation and was a prominent advocate for the preservation of national parks. Ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976, gaining national attention for campaign strategies and his political acumen.

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Lew Grade

Film producer and television executive
Born
December 25th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1998 26 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Ukraine, Grade became a significant figure in the British television landscape. His career included founding the production company Associated Television (ATV), which produced a range of popular programs. He played a pivotal role in bringing many iconic series to the screen, including 'The Avengers' and 'Thunderbirds'. As an influential producer, he also ventured into film production, contributing to movies like 'The Italian Job'. His contributions to the industry earned him numerous accolades and recognition.

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A. Leon Higginbotham Jr.

Civil Rights Advocate and Judge
Born
February 25th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1998 26 years ago — 70 years old

Birth occurred in 1928. Served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Contributed significantly to civil rights law, focusing on racial equality and social justice. Authored several influential books on law and history, including 'In the Matter of Color: Race and the American Legal Process'. Played a key role in numerous landmark cases related to civil rights. Participated in various professional organizations that advanced the cause of civil rights. Engaged in academia as a professor of law and held positions at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania.

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Norman Fell

Television actor from Three's Company
Born
March 24th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1998 26 years ago — 74 years old

An American actor gained recognition for roles in television and film. Famous for portraying Mr. Roper in the sitcom Three's Company, a role that showcased comedic talent. Appeared in numerous guest spots on various television series throughout a lengthy career. Starred in films such as The Graduate and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

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Annette Strauss

Philanthropist and Mayor of Dallas
Born
January 26th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1998 26 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent philanthropist and politician, served as the first female mayor of Dallas from 1987 to 1991. Instrumental in various community initiatives and urban development projects. Advocated for women's rights and education throughout her career. Played a critical role in the establishment of numerous charitable organizations and initiatives in Dallas.

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William Gaddis

American author of 'The Recognitions'
Born
December 29th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1998 26 years ago — 75 years old

An American author and academic, work focused on postmodern literature. First novel, 'The Recognitions', published in 1955, explored themes of art and authenticity. Gaddis received the National Book Award for 'JR' in 1976, illustrating the complexity of capitalism and American society. Contributed to the development of modern narrative techniques through intricate characterizations and innovative structures. Later works include 'Carpenter's Gothic' and 'A Frolic of His Own', both showcasing his distinctive style and critical engagement with literary traditions.

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Lev Dyomin

Russian astronaut and colonel
Born
January 11th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1998 26 years ago — 72 years old

Served as a colonel in the Soviet Air Force and participated in the Soviet space program. Became a cosmonaut and flew on the Soyuz 7 mission. Contributed to various aeronautical and astronautical disciplines during a significant era of space exploration. Recognized for exceptional service and dedication to the Soviet space initiatives.

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Alan Lloyd Hodgkin

Physiologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 5th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1998 26 years ago — 84 years old

Worked extensively in neurophysiology, particularly in researching the ionic basis of nerve conduction. Collaborated with Andrew Huxley to develop the first quantitative model of nerve action potentials. Conducted investigations using the giant axon of the squid which led to critical insights into the behavior of neurons. Became a professor at the University of Cambridge, contributing significantly to the academic field through teaching and research.

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