What Happened This Year 2006

People Who Died in 2006

Paul Gleason

American actor in The Breakfast Club
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
May 27th, 2006 18 years ago — 67 years old

An American actor contributed to film and television over several decades. Most recognized for roles in iconic films and series, gained popularity through performances in notable projects. Played memorable characters that resonated with audiences, showcasing a range of emotions and humor. Involved in various genres, from comedies to dramas, leaving a lasting imprint within the industry.

Continue Reading

Thorleif Schjelderup

Norwegian ski jumper and Olympic champion
Born
January 20th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2006 18 years ago — 86 years old

Competed in ski jumping, winning a gold medal at the 1948 St. Moritz Olympics in the large hill event. Authored books on skiing and the sport's techniques, contributing to the literature of winter sports. Continued involvement in skiing beyond competition years, promoting the sport's development in Norway.

Continue Reading

Katarína Kolníková

Slovak actress; starred in 'Kozie mlieko'
Born
April 20th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
May 29th, 2006 18 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1921 in Slovakia, an actress gained prominence in theater and film. Worked in various Slovak performances, showcasing talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. Achieved recognition for contributions to the Slovak film industry, particularly through performances in classic productions.

Continue Reading

Shohei Imamura

Japanese film director and screenwriter
Born
September 15th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2006 18 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent figure in Japanese cinema, this individual directed and produced several influential films. Recognized for a distinctive storytelling style, themes often explored the lives of marginalized characters in post-war Japan. Major works include 'The Ballad of Narayama' and 'Dr. Akagi', both acclaimed for their unique narrative structures and social commentary. This individual was a two-time Palme d'Or winner, receiving the prestigious award at the Cannes Film Festival for 'The Ballad of Narayama' in 1983 and 'The Eel' in 1997.

Continue Reading

Robert Sterling

American actor from 'Topper' series
Born
November 13th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
May 30th, 2006 18 years ago — 88 years old

Achieved prominence in the 1950s as a television actor, particularly recognized for starring in the series 'Topper' which aired from 1953 to 1955. Appeared in numerous films during the 1940s and 1950s, including roles in 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' and 'The Bride Goes Wild'. Sterling’s career spanned over four decades, with appearances in various television shows and movies. His contributions to the television landscape paved the way for future actors in comedy and family-oriented programming. Continued working into the 1970s, demonstrating versatility across genres and performances.

Continue Reading

Miguel Ortiz Berrocal

Spanish sculptor and educator
Born
September 28th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2006 18 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent sculptor and educator, active primarily during the late 20th century, recognized for works that blend art with engineering. Ortiz Berrocal developed a unique style characterized by movable, modular sculptures. His pieces often emphasized the relationship between space and form, showcasing a fascination with geometry. He taught at various institutions, influencing future generations of artists in Spain and beyond. His educational contributions complemented his artistic pursuits, further solidifying his role in the art community. Many of his sculptures are part of permanent collections in museums around the world, reflecting his importance in contemporary art.

Continue Reading

Raymond Davis Jr.

Chemist and physicist, Nobel laureate
Born
October 14th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2006 18 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1914, a significant figure in the field of physics and chemistry. Developed techniques for detecting neutrinos, which contributed to the understanding of solar processes. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2002 for groundbreaking work in experimental particle physics. His research provided crucial insights into neutrino emissions from the sun and helped confirm theories regarding solar energy production.

Continue Reading

Billy Preston

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
September 2nd, 1946 78 years ago
Died
June 6th, 2006 18 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in the music industry, recognized for contributions as a singer-songwriter, pianist, and actor. Gained acclaim for work with artists such as The Beatles and Sly and the Family Stone. Achieved commercial success with hit singles like "Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go Round in Circles," both reaching the top of the charts. Served as a session musician for various renowned acts and participated in significant live performances, including the famous concert at Madison Square Garden in 1971 with George Harrison.

Continue Reading

Jaxon

Illustrator and publisher, Rip Off Press
Born
May 15th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
June 8th, 2006 18 years ago — 65 years old

An illustrator and publisher co-founded Rip Off Press, which specialized in underground comix during the 1960s and 1970s. The press played a significant role in the counterculture movement and was instrumental in the distribution of alternative comic books. Illustrated various works that contributed to the underground comix scene, collaborating with notable artists and writers. The press became a prominent fixture in the artistic landscape of its time, reflecting the social and political issues of the era.

Continue Reading