What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Igor Troubetzkoy

Race car driver and Russian aristocrat
Born
August 23rd, 1912 112 years ago
Died
December 20th, 2008 16 years ago — 96 years old

Born in Russia, a prominent figure in motorsports during the early 20th century. Participated in various racing events, including the Mille Miglia and the Monaco Grand Prix. Notably drove for the Scuderia Ferrari team. Served as a liaison between Russian expatriates and their former homeland during a turbulent period in history. His aristocratic background influenced his perspective on racing and social issues of the time.

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Harold Pinter

Playwright and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 10th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 78 years old

A significant figure in modern theatre, a playwright, screenwriter, and director contributed to the evolution of dramatic literature. Works include 'The Birthday Party', 'The Homecoming', and 'The Caretaker', which reflect the nuances of human relationships and the intricacies of language. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005, recognizing an outstanding career that changed the landscape of modern drama. Played a key role in the Theatre of the Absurd movement, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and communication through sharp dialogue and minimalist staging.

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Eartha Kitt

Actress and singer of 'Santa Baby'
Born
January 17th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2008 16 years ago — 81 years old

An actress and singer, gained prominence in the 1950s with a distinctive singing style and a captivating stage presence. Achieved significant acclaim for performances in theatrical productions and pop music. Portrayed Catwoman in the television series 'Batman' during the 1960s. Recorded the holiday classic 'Santa Baby,' which has become a seasonal favorite. Advocated for civil rights and spoke out against the Vietnam War, drawing attention to social issues in the United States.

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Delaney Bramlett

American singer-songwriter and producer
Born
July 1st, 1939 85 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2008 16 years ago — 69 years old

Delaney Bramlett was a prominent singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributing significantly to the music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. Bramlett co-founded the iconic band Delaney & Bonnie, achieving recognition for blending rock, blues, and soul music. The band toured with major acts including Eric Clapton and The Band, and their albums received critical acclaim. Bramlett also worked as a session musician and producer, influencing numerous artists throughout his career.

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Robert Graham

Mexican-American sculptor
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
December 27th, 2008 16 years ago — 70 years old

A Mexican-American sculptor, significant contributions include monumental public works and artistic representations of cultural themes. Specialized in bronze sculptures, complemented by various media. Created prominent pieces such as 'The Great Journey' at the Los Angeles International Airport and 'The Rite of Passage' located in Santa Monica, California. Influenced the art community through innovative techniques and cultural storytelling.

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Irene Lieblich

Painter and illustrator of landscapes
Born
April 20th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2008 16 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Poland and later relocating to the United States, a significant career as a painter and illustrator unfolded. Focused primarily on landscapes, works often reflected the interplay of light and color. Contributed to various exhibitions and illustrated books, combining artistic intuition with technical skill. Active in the art community, participating in local and national art shows, gaining recognition for distinctive style.

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Freddie Hubbard

Jazz trumpet player and composer
Born
April 7th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2008 16 years ago — 70 years old

An influential jazz trumpet player and composer emerged in the 1960s, contributing significantly to the hard bop and avant-garde jazz movements. Collaborated with prominent musicians such as Art Davis, Wayne Shorter, and McCoy Tyner. Established a distinctive style characterized by bold melodic lines and advanced harmonic structures. Released several critically acclaimed albums, including 'Ready for Freddie' and 'Hub-Tones'. Active in both acoustic and electric jazz settings, Hubbard also participated in the jazz fusion genre during the 1970s.

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Victor H. Krulak

American soldier and military strategist
Born
1913 112 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2008 16 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent military figure, served in the United States Marine Corps and significantly influenced modern amphibious warfare. Played a crucial role during World War II and the Vietnam War, developing strategies that reshaped U.S. military tactics. Authored several important works on military strategy, including a well-regarded publication on counterinsurgency. Held several key leadership positions throughout a distinguished career.

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Donald E. Westlake

Author and screenwriter of crime novels
Born
July 12th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2008 16 years ago — 75 years old

An American author and screenwriter contributed significantly to the literary world through over 100 published works. Primarily recognized for writing crime and mystery novels, influenced the genre with clever plots and sharp wit. His most notable work includes the Parker series, featuring the character Parker, a professional thief. Westlake also achieved acclaim in screenwriting, particularly for writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Richard Stark's novel. He received the Edgar Award multiple times, solidifying his reputation in crime fiction. His writing style combined humor and suspense, appealing to a broad audience.

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