What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Henry Steele Commager

Historian and author of influential works
Born
October 25th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1998 28 years ago — 96 years old

An American historian and author significantly contributed to the understanding of American history and issues related to civil liberties. Commager's academic career included teaching at Columbia University and the University of Massachusetts. He authored numerous books, including 'The American Mind' and 'Documentary History of the United States', which explored American identity and culture. He served as an editor and wrote extensively on the Constitution and civil rights. His work influenced both scholarship and public discourse on historical topics.

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Yuri Artyukhin

Russian colonel and space engineer
Born
June 22nd, 1930 95 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Augusta Braxton Baker

Librarian and advocate for children's literature
Born
April 1st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Mikio Oda

Triple jumper and academic leader
Born
March 30th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Jean-Pascal Delamuraz

Swiss politician, 80th President
Born
April 1st, 1936 89 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Robert Allen

American actor in film and television
Born
March 28th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Charles Lang

Cinematographer of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
Born
March 27th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
1998 28 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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Dorothy Squires

Welsh singer and actress
Born
March 25th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1998 28 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Wales, a significant figure in British music during the mid-20th century. Rose to prominence with a successful singing career, celebrated for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Gained recognition for a series of popular songs and recordings, especially in the pop and traditional genres. Collaborated with numerous artists and contributed to various musical productions. In addition to music, ventured into acting and appeared in theatrical performances. Continued performing until advanced age, showcasing resilience and dedication to art.

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Bryan MacLean

American Singer-Songwriter and Musician
Born
September 25th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
1998 28 years ago — 52 years old

An American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the band Love. The band is recognized for its influential album 'Forever Changes,' which is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. MacLean contributed significantly to the band's sound and wrote several of their notable songs. After leaving Love, he pursued a solo career and continued to be involved in music production.

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