What Happened This Year 2000

People Who Died in 2000

John Tukey

Mathematician and creator of exploratory data analysis
Born
June 16th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
July 26th, 2000 24 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to statistics included the development of the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm and the creation of exploratory data analysis techniques. Developed the box plot, a graphical representation of the dispersion of data. Has written extensively on mathematical statistics and data analysis, influencing both the field of statistics and its application across various disciplines. Also served as a professor at Princeton University, impacting education in mathematics and statistics through academic leadership and mentorship.

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Gordon Solie

American sportscaster for wrestling events
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2000 24 years ago — 71 years old

Made contributions to professional wrestling as a sportscaster and commentator. Started broadcasting in the 1950s and became a prominent voice in the wrestling community. Served as the lead announcer for several major wrestling promotions, including Championship Wrestling from Florida and World Championship Wrestling. Helped popularize wrestling on television with catchphrases and his distinctive style, which set a standard for future commentators.

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Abraham Pais

Physicist and historian of science
Born
May 19th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
July 28th, 2000 24 years ago — 82 years old

Born in the Netherlands, this physicist and historian contributed significantly to the understanding of physics and its history. Emigrating to the United States during World War II, work included collaborations with major figures in theoretical physics. Contributions to the biographies of prominent physicists enriched the historical narrative of the discipline. The individual served as a professor at various institutions, influencing generations of students and researchers.

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William Keepers Maxwell Jr.

American editor and novelist
Born
August 16th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
July 31st, 2000 24 years ago — 91 years old

An editor, novelist, short story writer, and essayist born in 1908. Served as a chief editor at The New Yorker, contributing significantly to the magazine's literary quality. Authored several novels, with 'They Came Like Swallows' recognized as a prominent work. Also engaged in short story writing, editing, and teaching literature. His literary career spanned several decades, showcasing a variety of themes and styles.

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Joann Lõssov

Basketball player and coach
Born
September 10th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2000 24 years ago — 78 years old

Played basketball in Estonia and later transitioned to coaching. Achievements include significant contributions to the development of basketball in the country. Coached at various levels, including youth and senior teams, fostering talent and promoting the sport in the region. His impact on players and coaching methodologies advanced Estonian basketball.

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Lala Amarnath

Indian cricketer and Test captain
Born
September 11th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2000 24 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent Indian cricketer, this player was the first to score a century for India in Test cricket. His career spanned from 1933 to 1952, during which he made significant contributions to the team. He played a key role in establishing cricket in India as a competitive sport. Also served as a captain of the Indian national team. His performances in both domestic and international matches helped to pave the way for future generations of players.

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Alec Guinness

English actor, Star Wars and Bridge on River Kwai
Born
April 2nd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2000 24 years ago — 86 years old

An English actor gained prominence through a career in film, television, and theater spanning several decades. Played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy and received an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role in The Bridge on the River Kwai. Renowned for versatility in portraying complex characters across various genres, including drama and comedy. Achieved acclaim within the theatrical community, performing in productions ranging from classic plays to modern scripts.

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John Harsanyi

Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 29th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2000 24 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Hungary, an academic focused on game theory, utility, and social choice theory. Emigrated to the United States after World War II and continued work in economics. Received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994 for contributions to analyzing cooperative games and bringing psychological insights into economic thinking.

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Nicholas Markowitz

American murder victim
Born
1984 41 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2000 24 years ago — 16 years old

Nicholas Markowitz was a teenager who became a homicide victim in 2000. His abduction and subsequent murder in California garnered extensive media attention and raised awareness about issues surrounding youth crime and violence. The circumstances of Markowitz's death led to a high-profile court case that focused on gang involvement. This tragic event highlighted the dangers facing young people and the impact of gang culture in urban areas.

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