What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Charles Lang

Cinematographer of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
Born
March 27th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 96 years old

A prominent cinematographer with a career spanning several decades, focused on lighting, composition, and visual storytelling. Collaborated with major directors including Elia Kazan and George Stevens. Worked on notable films such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire', 'Shane', and 'The Music Man', showcasing skills that enhanced the visual language of American cinema. Received multiple nominations for Academy Awards, highlighting contributions to the film industry. Also served as a director of photography on numerous feature films, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

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Jonathan Mann

Physician and author of public health research
Born
July 30th, 1947 77 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 51 years old

Contributed significantly to global health discourse, focusing on the intersection of health, human rights, and social justice. Led the World Health Organization's Global Programme on AIDS in the 1980s, advocating for the rights of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Established the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, which combines health care, education, and advocacy efforts. Authored critical works addressing public health challenges and the ethical implications involved in healthcare systems.

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Robert Allen

American actor in film and television
Born
March 28th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1906, this American actor gained recognition for performances in both film and television. He starred in the comedy series 'The Hilarious House of Frightenstein' and appeared in various film productions such as 'The Oily Maniac'. His career spanned several decades, leading to a significant presence in the entertainment industry throughout the mid-20th century. In addition to acting, he contributed to the production aspects of his projects.

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Jean-Pascal Delamuraz

Swiss politician, 80th President
Born
April 1st, 1936 88 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 62 years old

Served as a prominent politician in Switzerland, holding the position of the 80th President of the Swiss Confederation. Contributed to the governance and political landscape of the nation during tenure. Engaged in various committees and played a role in shaping policies affecting the Swiss populace.

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Mikio Oda

Triple jumper and academic leader
Born
March 30th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 93 years old

A triple jumper achieved notable success in athletics, becoming the first Asian to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, securing the gold medal in the men's triple jump. Later, pursued an academic career and contributed to the field of education, particularly in physical education. His dual career in sports and academia left a significant legacy.

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Adem Jashari

Kosovan commander during the conflict
Born
November 28th, 1955 69 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 43 years old

Commanded the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during the late 1990s, advocating for the rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Became a central figure in the resistance against Serbian forces. Jashari's leadership positioned him as a symbol of the struggle for independence. Died in a confrontation with Serbian police in 1998, solidifying his legacy as a martyr for Kosovo's sovereignty.

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Augusta Braxton Baker

Librarian and advocate for children's literature
Born
April 1st, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

Contributions to children's literature and librarianship included developing programs to increase access to books for African American children. Played a significant role in promoting diversity in library collections and served as the first African American female in the New York Public Library's Professional Division. Extensive work in the American Library Association led to initiatives that supported the inclusion of African American authors and stories within children's literature. Authored books and articles that highlighted the importance of representation in library services.

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Bob Kane

Comic book creator and illustrator of Batman
Born
October 24th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

An American author and illustrator co-created the iconic comic book character Batman in 1939. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27, leading to the establishment of a significant franchise in comic books, television, and film. Contributed to the Golden Age of Comic Books, significantly influencing the superhero genre. Also worked on other characters and stories in the DC Comics universe and was credited with numerous comic book covers throughout his career.

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Yuri Artyukhin

Russian colonel and space engineer
Born
June 22nd, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1930, this individual served as a colonel in the Soviet Air Force and was an accomplished engineer. Participation in space missions included a flight aboard Soyuz 14 in 1974. The mission lasted nearly 14 days and aimed at conducting scientific experiments and operations on the Salyut 7 space station. Contributions to the field of space exploration were significant, particularly in the development of engineering solutions for human spaceflight. This individual also held various leadership roles within the Soviet space program, influencing the design and implementation of crewed missions.

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