What Happened This Year 2002

People Who Died in 2002

Ted Williams

Baseball player, manager, and Hall of Famer
Born
August 30th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2002 22 years ago — 83 years old

An American baseball player and manager, achieved prominence in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Boston Red Sox. Played as an outfielder between 1939 and 1960. Notably, recorded a career batting average of .344, with 521 home runs. Served in the military during World War II and the Korean War, missing nearly five seasons. Managed the Washington Senators from 1969 to 1971. Achieved induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966.

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Katy Jurado

Mexican actress in film and television
Born
January 16th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2002 22 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in the film industry, this actress gained recognition for performances in both Mexican and American cinema. Notable roles include participation in the classic western 'High Noon' alongside Gary Cooper, and the film 'The Brave Bulls'. The actress won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in 'Mister Roberts'. With a career spanning several decades, this actress's contributions to film earned her accolades and paved the way for future Latin American actresses in Hollywood.

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John Frankenheimer

American film director of noted dramas
Born
February 19th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 6th, 2002 22 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent American director and producer, contributed significantly to the film industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Gained recognition for directing critically acclaimed films that explored complex themes. Achieved success with works such as 'The Manchurian Candidate', which became a cultural reference point for political thrillers, and 'Seconds', known for its innovative storytelling and visual style. Also made contributions to television with the landmark political drama 'The Iceman Cometh'.

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Dhirubhai Ambani

Indian businessman and Reliance founder
Born
December 28th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
July 6th, 2002 22 years ago — 69 years old

Founded Reliance Industries, a conglomerate with interests in petrochemicals, telecommunications, textiles, and more. Launched the company in 1960, which became one of India's largest private sector companies. Pioneered the use of equity markets to raise capital for growth, democratizing wealth generation in India. Instrumental in establishing a strong presence in global markets.

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Ward Kimball

Animator and producer of Disney classics
Born
March 4th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
July 8th, 2002 22 years ago — 88 years old

Contributed to the creation of animated films at Disney, including work on iconic classics. Played a significant role in the development of characters in animated features and became known for a distinct style in animation. Involved in the production of television programs that showcased animation techniques. Earned recognition for skills in storytelling through animation, influencing generations of animators and audiences alike.

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Rod Steiger

Academy Award winning actor
Born
April 14th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
July 9th, 2002 22 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent figure in American cinema, achieved acclaim for versatile performances across various genres. Gained recognition for roles in iconic films such as 'On the Waterfront' and 'In the Heat of the Night', earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for the latter. Steiger also appeared in noteworthy films including 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'The Pawnbroker'. His career spanned over five decades, establishing a legacy in film marked by powerful portrayals and strong character interpretations.

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Laurence Janifer

American author of science fiction novels
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
July 10th, 2002 22 years ago — 69 years old

An author wrote numerous science fiction novels and stories. Collaborated with other writers under the pseudonym and created works that contributed to the genre. Contributed to notable magazines in the field, expanding the scope and appeal of science fiction literature. His writing often featured innovative concepts and explored complex themes.

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John Cocke

Computer Scientist; Developed RISC architecture
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
July 16th, 2002 22 years ago — 77 years old

A significant figure in computer science, contributions included the design of the Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture. Cocke worked at IBM, where the RISC system was initiated, fundamentally changing processor design. He contributed to the development of programming languages, such as FORTRAN. Cocke's work led to advancements in compiler optimization, enhancing overall computing efficiency. His research and innovations remain influential in modern computing practices.

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Joseph Luns

Dutch Foreign Minister and NATO leader
Born
August 28th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2002 22 years ago — 90 years old

Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Netherlands from 1952 to 1971. Held significant influence in shaping Dutch foreign policy during the Cold War. Also served as Secretary General of NATO from 1971 to 1984, contributing to discussions on defense strategies and alliances among member countries. Luns’ leadership during turbulent global times established critical relationships and alliances in Europe.

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