What Happened This Year 1998

People Who Died in 1998

Ferdinand Porsche

Automotive engineer and founder of Porsche
Born
September 19th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1951 74 years ago — 41 years old

An engineer and businessman, contributed significantly to automotive design and technology. Founded Porsche in 1931, creating innovative vehicles. Designed the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the best-selling cars in history. Developed the Porsche 356, which established the brand's identity and success in sports cars. Focused on engineering excellence and performance in automotive development.

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Helen Wills

Tennis player and coach, 7-time Wimbledon champion
Born
October 6th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1998 27 years ago — 92 years old

A significant tennis player and coach, this individual won a total of 31 Grand Slam titles, including 7 Wimbledon championships and 4 U.S. National Championships. Dominating the sport in the early 20th century, this person was an influential figure in tennis, known for remarkable skill and technique on the court. After a successful playing career, transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of future generations of tennis players.

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Mae Questel

Voice actress and comedian
Born
September 13th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1998 27 years ago — 89 years old

An American voice actress and comedian, contributed significantly to animation and voice work. Gained recognition for voicing iconic characters in several popular animated series and films. The character Betty Boop was brought to life through her unique vocal style and personality, which defined the character's charm. Also voiced Olive Oyl in the Popeye cartoons, further solidifying a legacy in animation history. Continued to perform and engage with audiences throughout her career, showcasing talent in various entertainment mediums.

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Sonny Bono

Singer-songwriter and politician
Born
February 16th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1998 27 years ago — 62 years old

A singer-songwriter and producer, achieved fame as half of the duo Sonny and Cher. The duo's hit 'I Got You Babe' topped charts in the 1960s. Transitioned into acting, appearing in the television show 'The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour'. Later, entered politics, serving as the mayor of Palm Springs, California, and as a U.S. Congressman. Contributed to various local and national initiatives during congressional tenure.

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Vladimir Prelog

Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Born
July 23rd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1998 27 years ago — 91 years old

A chemist and academic with contributions to organic chemistry. His research focused on stereochemistry and the understanding of chemical reactions. Prelog received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975 for his work on the stereochemistry of molecules, particularly in the realm of natural products. He spent significant portions of his career in both Croatia and Switzerland, where he was influential in the academic community and contributed to scientific education and research. His legacy continues to influence the field of chemistry.

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Michael Tippett

English composer and conductor
Born
January 2nd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1998 27 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1905, Tippett contributed significantly to 20th-century music through both composition and conducting. He studied at the Royal College of Music and began to establish his reputation with the opera 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in 1960. Tippett's compositions encompass a range of genres, including orchestral, chamber, and vocal works. He served as conductor for various esteemed orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. His works often reflect intense personal and social themes, resonating deeply with audiences in Britain and beyond.

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Kenichi Fukui

Chemist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1981
Born
October 4th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1998 27 years ago — 79 years old

A Japanese chemist contributed significantly to theoretical chemistry, focusing on the study of reaction mechanisms. Developed the Fukui function, a theoretical framework that describes how chemical reactions occur. Worked at Kyoto University and held various academic positions, advancing the fields of molecular orbital theory and methodology in chemistry. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981 for contributions to the understanding of chemical reaction processes.

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Imi Lichtenfeld

Martial artist, creator of Krav Maga
Born
May 26th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1998 27 years ago — 87 years old

Born in Hungary, a martial artist, boxer, and gymnast developed Krav Maga, a self-defense system integrating techniques from various martial arts and boxing. Emigrated to Israel and became involved in training military and law enforcement personnel. The system emphasized practical defense against real-world threats, contributing to its widespread adoption across the globe. Established a training center in Israel, further promoting the discipline. His work laid a foundation for the evolution of modern self-defense.

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Roger Clark

English rally driver and champion
Born
August 5th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1998 27 years ago — 58 years old

A prominent figure in the world of rally racing, achieved significant success during the 1970s. Competed primarily with the Ford Escort, secured three consecutive British Rally Championships from 1972 to 1974. Excelled in the international rally scene, notably winning the 1972 Scottish Rally and 1975 RAC Rally, becoming a key player in British motorsport. Earned a reputation for driving skill and precision on challenging terrains.

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