What Happened This Year 2002

People Who Died in 2002

Darryl Kile

Baseball player and All-Star pitcher
Born
December 2nd, 1968 56 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 34 years old

Played professional baseball as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1991 with the New York Mets and later played for the Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved notable success with the Cardinals, including becoming a two-time All-Star and winning a Gold Glove Award. Helped the Cardinals reach the postseason multiple times, contributing significantly to the team's pitching rotation until his untimely passing in 2002.

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Ruth Kobart

Actor and singer in musical theater
Born
April 24th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 78 years old

Acted in Broadway productions and became notable for performances in 'Fiorello!' and 'The King and I'. Contributed to national tours and regional theater, showcasing strong vocal abilities and versatile acting skills. Garnered attention for performances in various concert settings, leaving a lasting impression on audiences in the musical theater community.

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Abe Lemons

Basketball coach and player, NCAA champion
Born
November 21st, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 80 years old

Abe Lemons served as a basketball coach and player in the United States. He played college basketball at the University of Texas, leading to a coaching career primarily at Texas Tech University and the University of Texas. Lemons developed a reputation for his distinctive coaching style and engaging personality. His teams achieved significant success in the NCAA tournaments, securing conference championships and making appearances in national competitions.

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Bernard Fresson

French actor in film and television
Born
May 27th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 71 years old

Born in France in 1931, this actor gained recognition through his compelling performances in various films. Key roles included performances in 'The Confession' and 'The Trial.' His career spanned several decades, allowing him to establish a presence in French cinema and television. Beyond iconic film roles, contributions to theatrical productions enhanced his reputation in the performing arts. Collaborations with notable directors contributed to the richness of French cultural output during his active years.

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Joaquín Balaguer

Dominican politician and lawyer
Born
September 1st, 1906 118 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 96 years old

Served as the 49th President of the Dominican Republic during three terms: from 1960 to 1962, 1966 to 1978, and 1986 to 1996. Balaguer's presidency was marked by authoritarian governance, a focus on economic development, and infrastructure projects. Contributed to the modernization of the country, particularly in urban areas. His political career spanned several decades, starting as a lawyer and later becoming a prominent figure in politics and governance.

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George Nader

Actor known for role in 'The Reluctant Astronaut'
Born
October 19th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 81 years old

An American actor achieved prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Nader featured in several films and television series, becoming particularly recognizable for performances in 'The Reluctant Astronaut' and 'The Hangman'. Additionally, appeared in shows such as 'The Detectives' and 'The Twilight Zone'. His career also included work in modeling and writing.

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Doris Buchanan Smith

American author of children's literature
Born
June 1st, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 68 years old

An author contributed significantly to children's literature. Notable works include 'Freddie and the Fountain of Youth' and 'The Black Snowman'. The stories often featured themes addressing social issues and the challenges children face. Smith also participated in educational activities and workshops aimed at promoting literacy among young readers. Her works are utilized in various educational settings, reflecting her commitment to children's storytelling and literature.

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Antonio Margheriti

Italian director known for horror films
Born
September 19th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 72 years old

An influential figure in Italian cinema, Margheriti directed, produced, and wrote numerous genre films. His career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1950s with a focus on science fiction, horror, and adventure films. Working extensively in both cinema and television, he gained attention for his innovative techniques and stylistic flair. He collaborated with various actors and production teams, contributing significantly to the Italian film industry and shaping the genre film landscape.

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Billy Ward

R&B singer-songwriter of The Dominoes
Born
September 19th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2002 23 years ago — 81 years old

An American R&B singer-songwriter gained prominence as the lead vocalist of The Dominoes in the early 1950s. The group achieved significant success with hits such as 'Sixty Minute Man,' which became a landmark recording in the rhythm and blues genre. This song helped to establish the group as one of the leading acts of their time. The Dominoes influenced many subsequent artists and contributed to the evolution of R&B music. Later, the singer continued to engage in various music projects and remained a respected figure in the music industry until his passing.

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