What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Edward Brongersma

Dutch journalist and politician
Born
August 31st, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

A journalist and politician from the Netherlands. Played a significant role in advocating for the rights of sexual minorities and civil liberties. Contributed to various publications, including as a columnist for different Dutch newspapers. Served as a member of the Dutch parliament and was instrumental in discussions around societal issues.

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Georgios Mylonas

Greek politician, Minister of Culture
Born
April 6th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 79 years old

Served as the 11th Greek Minister of Culture from 1974 to 1977. Instrumental in promoting Greek heritage and culture during a significant period of political transition in Greece. Worked on the establishment of cultural policies and programs that aimed to preserve and enhance Greece's rich historical legacy. Contributed to various cultural projects and initiatives that highlighted the importance of the arts in society.

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W. Allen Wallis

American economist and statistician
Born
November 5th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 86 years old

Wallis contributed significantly to the fields of economics and statistics. He served as the Chief Economist for the U.S. Army during World War II and later held positions in academia, including at the University of Chicago and the University of Rochester. Wallis was a pioneer in the development of econometrics and the application of statistical methods to economic problems. His research included work on consumer behavior, and he published numerous articles and books throughout his career. Wallis was an active participant in the establishment of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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Éric Tabarly

French yacht captain and sailor
Born
July 24th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent figure in the world of sailing, competed in various prestigious races, including the Whitbread Round the World Race. Led the French team to victory in the 1977 America's Cup. Developed innovative sailing techniques and designs that greatly influenced modern yacht construction. Established the École de Voile Tabarly to train future generations of sailors.

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Jennings Randolph

Journalist and U.S. Senator
Born
March 8th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent journalist and politician, made significant contributions to U.S. legislative processes. Served in the U.S. Senate from 1958 to 1985, representing West Virginia. Worked on numerous committees focusing on labor, education, and public works. Advocated for various civil rights initiatives and played a key role in amending laws concerning voting rights and education reform. Held several leadership positions within the Senate, influencing important public policy.

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Bing Xin

Chinese author and poet of children's literature
Born
October 5th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 98 years old

An influential figure in Chinese literature, contributions focused primarily on children's literature. The work included poetry, novels, and essays, often emphasizing themes of love, innocence, and enlightenment. Worked in various literary forms to engage young readers, making literature accessible and appealing to children. Engaged in educational reform, promoting children's education and emotional development through literature. Authored several acclaimed collections and stories that remain significant in Chinese literary circles.

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Lia Manoliu

Disciple thrower and Romanian politician
Born
April 25th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 66 years old

Competed in discus throw events, winning three Olympic medals. Secured silver in the 1960 Rome Olympics and bronze in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, alongside a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Held the world record in discus throw during the 1950s. Transitioned into politics, serving as a member of Romania's Parliament and advocating for sports policies.

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Wendy O. Williams

Punk Rock Singer, The Plasmatics
Born
May 28th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent figure in the punk rock scene, an American singer-songwriter and musician gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band The Plasmatics. The band was known for its theatrical performances and groundbreaking fusion of punk and heavy metal music. Williams' onstage persona included provocative costumes and outrageous stunts, which garnered significant attention. In addition to her music career, she also pursued acting, appearing in films such as 'Reb Brown's 'Get Crazy' and the documentary 'The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years'. Williams' unique contributions to both music and performance art have left a lasting legacy in the punk rock genre.

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Helen Carter

American singer and musician
Born
September 19th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 71 years old

Carter was a prominent American singer and musician, recognized for her work in the country music genre. As a member of the renowned Carter Family, she contributed to the preservation and popularization of traditional folk music. Her career spanned several decades during which she performed extensively and recorded numerous albums. The Carter Family is credited with influencing the development of country music in America. She often appeared on various radio and television shows, further solidifying her place in the music industry.

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