What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Jean Shiley

High jumper and Olympic gold medalist
Born
November 20th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

An American high jumper achieved significant success in the early 20th century. Competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, securing the gold medal in high jump. Set several world records during her athletic career and was a pioneering female athlete in her sport. Continued to influence the sport after her competitive career ended.

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Roy Benavidez

Medal of Honor recipient, soldier
Born
August 5th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 63 years old

Served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Demonstrated extraordinary heroism in 1968 while rescuing fellow soldiers during a combat mission. Participated in a rescue operation that involved engaging enemy forces and rendered medical assistance despite sustaining multiple injuries. Received the Medal of Honor in 1981 for these actions, recognizing remarkable bravery and commitment to duty.

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Federico Krutwig

Basque writer and ETA member
Born
May 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 77 years old

Born in the Basque region in 1921, a prolific writer and translator. Contributed significantly to Basque literature and culture. Actively participated in the Basque nationalist movement and supported ETA’s objectives. His works often explored themes of identity, resistance, and the Basque struggle for independence. Authored influential books, advocating for the Basque language and literature throughout his life. Continued to work in translation, bridging cultural gaps.

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Julia Boyer Reinstein

American teacher and historian
Born
November 3rd, 1906 119 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 92 years old

Significant contributions to education, especially in history, occurred throughout a lengthy career. Reinstein served as a teacher and was actively involved in historical preservation efforts. Several published works focused on local history and educational methodologies aimed at enhancing history curriculums. Advocacy for history education led to improvements in teaching practices and increased awareness about the importance of historical scholarship in academic settings.

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Bill Tuttle

Baseball player and outfielder
Born
July 4th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 69 years old

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1952 with the Detroit Tigers. Played as an outfielder for several teams during the 1950s and 1960s, including the Kansas City Athletics and the Chicago White Sox. Contributed to the Tigers' 1955 American League pennant victory. Finished his playing career with a .250 batting average over eleven seasons, noted for his defensive skills and speed on the field.

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Claudia Testoni

Italian hurdler and long jumper
Born
December 19th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 83 years old

Competed in athletics, specializing in hurdles, sprints, and long jump. Represented Italy in multiple international competitions during the mid-20th century. Participated in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, competing in the women's 80 meters hurdles. Achieved several national titles in her events, contributing to Italy's presence in athletics during this era.

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Junior Kimbrough

American blues singer and guitarist
Born
July 28th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in the American blues scene, this musician combined deep, soulful vocals with a distinctive guitar style. Originating from Mississippi, this artist became known for a raw and hypnotic sound rooted in traditional blues. In the 1990s, several performances brought wider recognition, leading to recordings that showcased the artist's unique approach to the genre. Contributing to the preservation and evolution of blues music, this musician left a lasting impression on the music community.

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Gustav Nezval

Czech actor in film and theater
Born
November 18th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 91 years old

Gustav Nezval was a prominent Czech actor active in film and theater throughout the mid-20th century. Born in 1907, his career spanned several decades, contributing significantly to the Czech performing arts. Nezval performed in numerous films and was also a notable stage actor. His versatile performances showcased his talents in both dramatic and comedic roles, appealing to a broad audience.

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James Goldman

American screenwriter and playwright
Born
June 30th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
1998 27 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent figure in American theatre and film, this individual created compelling narratives that won critical acclaim. The screenplay for the film adaptation of 'The Lion in Winter' garnered an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. The playwright crafted the successful stage play 'Follies', which premiered on Broadway in 1971 and became a significant part of musical theatre history. Contributions spanned across multiple genres, with works adapted for both stage and screen, earning numerous accolades throughout a distinguished career.

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