What Happened This Year 2006

People Who Died in 2006

Sumner Shapiro

American admiral and naval officer
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 14th, 2006 18 years ago — 80 years old

Served in the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, achieving the rank of admiral. Played a pivotal role during World War II, including commanding naval operations in the Pacific Theater. Later served as Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Mediterranean and been involved in various international naval exercises and strategies. Retired from active service but continued to influence military operations through advisory roles until death.

Continue Reading

David K. Wyatt

Historian and author of critical works
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
November 15th, 2006 18 years ago — 69 years old

An American historian specialized in Southeast Asian studies, particularly focusing on Thailand. Wrote extensively on the historical and cultural aspects of Thai society. Authored notable works such as 'Thailand: A Short History' and 'The Politics of Reform in Thailand.' Contributed to the understanding of Thai history through academic articles and essays in various journals. Served as a professor at the University of Hawaii, influencing generations of students in the field of Asian studies.

Continue Reading

Milton Friedman

Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 31st, 1912 112 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2006 18 years ago — 94 years old

A leading figure in the field of economics, significant contributions include the development of the theory of monetarism. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago and authored several influential books on economic theory, including 'Capitalism and Freedom'. Played a vital role in policy discussions regarding inflation and monetary policy. Advocated for free-market principles and limited government intervention in the economy.

Continue Reading

Yuri Levada

Russian sociologist and political scientist
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2006 18 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent sociologist and political scientist focused on public opinion and social research in Russia. Founded the Levada Center, a leading independent polling organization in the country. Explored issues of political culture, social change, and public opinion dynamics. Contributed significantly to understanding societal transformations in post-Soviet Russia. His work provided valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of the Russian populace during periods of significant political upheaval.

Continue Reading

Bo Schembechler

American Football Coach and Administrator
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2006 18 years ago — 77 years old

Became a prominent college football coach. Served as the head coach at the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1989, achieving significant success. Led Michigan to 13 Big Ten championships and a record of 234-65-8. His teams were known for their intense rivalries, particularly with Ohio State. Coached in the Rose Bowl and was instrumental in establishing Michigan as a powerhouse in college football. Post-retirement, contributed to sports administration and remained involved with the Michigan program until his passing.

Continue Reading

Ruth Brown

R&B singer-songwriter and actress
Born
January 12th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2006 18 years ago — 78 years old

An influential R&B singer-songwriter and actress, her career spanned several decades starting in the 1940s. She gained prominence with chart-topping hits such as 'Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean' and 'Teardrops from My Eyes'. Her soulful voice and captivating stage presence earned her the title 'Miss Rhythm'. In addition to her music career, contributions to the film industry included roles in productions like 'Carmen Jones'. She received multiple awards and honors for her impact on the music world.

Continue Reading

Ferenc Puskás

Hungarian footballer and coach
Born
April 1st, 1927 97 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2006 18 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent figure in football, excelled as a forward, played for Budapest Honvéd and Real Madrid. Achieved considerable success at Real Madrid, winning multiple European Cups. Managed several teams after retiring as a player, including the Hungarian national team. Puskás contributed to football's global appeal and left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Continue Reading

Zoia Ceaușescu

Mathematician and academic in Romania
Born
February 28th, 1949 76 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2006 18 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in algebra and differential equations. Worked at the Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy and held a professor position at the University of Bucharest. Engaged in research that focused on the applications of mathematics in various scientific fields. Also authored numerous papers and books, educating future generations of mathematicians.

Continue Reading

Robert Altman

American filmmaker with M*A*S*H
Born
February 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 20th, 2006 18 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent director and screenwriter in American cinema, this individual contributed significantly to film art with a unique storytelling style. Debuting in the 1950s, created a series of innovative films that often employed ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue. The 1970 film M*A*S*H, a black comedy about a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Other notable works include Nashville, a musical drama that provided a critique of American culture, and The Player, a satirical look at Hollywood. Established a reputation for challenging traditional narratives and influential cinematic techniques throughout a remarkable career.

Continue Reading