What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Ron Lancaster

Football player and coach
Born
October 14th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
September 18th, 2008 16 years ago — 69 years old

Played quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League (CFL), winning the Grey Cup in 1966. Transitioned to coaching, becoming head coach for multiple teams including the Roughriders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982 for contributions to the sport both as a player and coach.

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Earl Palmer

Rhythm and Blues Drummer
Born
1924 101 years ago
Died
September 19th, 2008 16 years ago — 84 years old

Pioneered the rhythm and blues genre as a session drummer, contributing to the sound of numerous hit records during the 1950s and 1960s. Collaborated with renowned artists such as Fats Domino and Little Richard, helping define the New Orleans sound. Worked with various record labels, recording tracks that became foundational to rock and roll and popular music. His drumming style influenced countless musicians and drummers in multiple genres.

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Thomas Dörflein

German zookeeper with polar bear fame
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2008 16 years ago — 45 years old

Worked as a zookeeper at the Berlin Zoo, caring for various animals. Gained international recognition for raising a polar bear cub named Knut after its mother rejected it in 2006. Created programs for public engagement and education about wildlife. Provided round-the-clock care for the cub, which drew significant attention and led to broader discussions about animal welfare in captivity. Knut became a global sensation and was featured in numerous media outlets, significantly raising awareness about polar bears and zoo preservation.

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Peter Leonard

Australian journalist and author
Born
1942 83 years ago
Died
September 23rd, 2008 16 years ago — 66 years old

An Australian journalist and author contributed to various publications. Worked for notable newspapers and news services, specializing in political reporting and international affairs. Authored several books that provided critical insights into significant events and figures in Australian history. Maintained a strong presence in journalism throughout a career that spanned several decades until retirement.

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Mickey Vernon

Baseball player and coach, multiple All-Star
Born
April 22nd, 1918 106 years ago
Died
September 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 90 years old

Played first base in Major League Baseball from 1939 to 1960. Primarily associated with the Washington Senators, also played for the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Achieved All-Star status twice during career. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, contributing to various teams in MLB.

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Irene Dailey

American actress in television and film
Born
September 12th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
September 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 88 years old

Raised in New York City, an American actress had a career spanning several decades in theater, television, and film. The career began on Broadway with performances in productions such as 'The Voice of the Turtle' and 'The Night of the Iguana.' Transitioning to television, the actress gained recognition for roles in soap operas including 'As the World Turns' and 'Another World,' earning two Daytime Emmy Awards. The film career included appearances in movies like 'The Swimmer' and 'The Sporting Life.'

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Paul Newman

American actor and philanthropist
Born
January 26th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2008 16 years ago — 83 years old

An acclaimed actor, director, and producer, this individual gained prominence in the film industry with leading roles in movies such as 'Cool Hand Luke', 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', and 'The Verdict'. Alongside a successful acting career, established a food company that donated profits to charity. Known for philanthropy efforts through the establishment of a foundation supporting children's causes. Received numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Best Actor for the film 'The Color of Money'.

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Marc Moulin

Belgian keyboard player and producer
Born
1942 83 years ago
Died
September 26th, 2008 16 years ago — 66 years old

A keyboard player, producer, and journalist was influential in the Belgian music scene. Active in the 1970s and 1980s, contributed to various genres including jazz, funk, and electronic music. Founded the band Placebo, which released several acclaimed albums. Produced and collaborated with other notable artists, enriching the Belgian music landscape.

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Henri Pachard

Director and producer of adult films
Born
June 4th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
September 27th, 2008 16 years ago — 69 years old

Active primarily in the adult film industry, this director and producer contributed significantly to the genre from the 1970s through the 1990s. He gained attention for directing a large number of adult films, often emphasizing production quality and storytelling. His work included collaborations with numerous well-known performers and production companies, which helped shape the adult entertainment landscape during his career.

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