What Happened This Year 2001

People Who Died in 2001

Alexey Maresyev

Russian soldier and pilot, WWII hero
Born
May 20th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2001 23 years ago — 84 years old

Served as a pilot in the Soviet Air Force during World War II. After being shot down, endured severe injuries and amputations, yet returned to active duty despite significant physical challenges. Participated in numerous combat missions and contributed to the Soviet effort in the war. His life story inspired literature and film, including the famous novella "The Story of a Real Man".

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Renato Carosone

Singer-songwriter and pianist from Italy
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2001 23 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent Italian singer-songwriter and pianist, gained fame in the 1950s for his contribution to the emerging genre of Neapolitan music. Achieved significant success with the song "Tu vuò fà l'americano," which blended traditional Italian sounds with American jazz influences. Carosone's energetic performances and distinctive style captivated audiences both in Italy and internationally. His music reflects a fusion of different musical traditions, showcasing creativity and broad appeal. After an illustrious career, continued to influence artists long after retirement.

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Anne Haney

American actress in film and TV
Born
March 4th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
May 26th, 2001 23 years ago — 67 years old

An accomplished actress gained recognition for performances in film and television throughout several decades. Notable roles included Mrs. Etta Place in the film 'The Beverly Hillbillies' and recurring appearances on the series 'The Drew Carey Show'. Career spanned from the 1970s until the early 2000s, showcasing a range of characters and contributing to various genres.

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Vittorio Brambilla

Race car driver, 1975 Italian Grand Prix winner
Born
November 11th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
May 26th, 2001 23 years ago — 63 years old

A race car driver participated in Formula One during the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved notable success with the March team, particularly in the 1975 season when won the Italian Grand Prix. Competed in 49 Formula One Grands Prix from 1968 to 1975, showcasing skill in various circuits. Also participated in endurance racing events.

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Joe Moakley

American politician and attorney
Born
April 27th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2001 23 years ago — 74 years old

Served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1973 to 1996. Played a significant role as the chairman of the House Rules Committee. Advocated for issues related to veterans and labor throughout tenure in office. Contributed to many legislative efforts, including the restoration of the U.S. Capitol dome.

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Francisco Varela

Chilean biologist and philosopher
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2001 23 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent figure in biology and philosophy, contributions included the development of enaction as a framework for understanding cognition, which emphasized the role of embodied experience. Collaborated with cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy, establishing interdisciplinary links. Worked on biological theories of cognition and explored the phenomenology of life. Co-authored 'The Embodied Mind', integrating Buddhist concepts with cognitive science.

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Arlene Francis

Television personality and actress
Born
October 20th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2001 23 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1907, Arlene Francis was an American actress and television personality. She became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, particularly in the mid-20th century. Francis gained fame as a panelist on the game show "What's My Line?", which aired from 1950 to 1967. Her career spanned theater, film, and television, showcasing her versatility. In addition to her work on television, she appeared in Broadway productions and films such as "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "The Manchurian Candidate." Frances was recognized for her contributions to the arts and entertainment sector.

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Hank Ketcham

Cartoonist, creator of Dennis the Menace
Born
March 14th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
June 1st, 2001 23 years ago — 81 years old

An American cartoonist illustrated the comic strip Dennis the Menace, which debuted in 1951. The strip depicted the misadventures of a mischievous boy and quickly became widely popular, featuring in over 1,000 newspapers at its peak. Ketcham's work was also adapted into animated series and a live-action film. He continued to produce new content for the strip until his death in 2001.

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Imogene Coca

American actress, comedian, and singer
Born
November 18th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 2001 23 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1908, this American actress, comedian, and singer gained fame for performances in the entertainment industry. Made a significant impact in television with her work on the sketch comedy show 'Your Show of Shows', where she appeared alongside Sid Caesar. Coca also showcased her talents in films, including 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. Throughout her career, she received recognition for her contributions to both television and film entertainment, earning several awards, including an Emmy Award in 1954.

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