What Happened This Year 2008

People Who Died in 2008

Mustafa Khalil

Egyptian lawyer and Prime Minister
Born
November 18th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 88 years old

Served as the 77th Prime Minister of Egypt from 1978 to 1979. Held the position of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs prior to the premiership. Played a significant role in the political landscape of Egypt during a time of transition. Contributed to various governmental reforms and policies while leading the country's administration.

Continue Reading

Ossie Dawson

South African cricketer, Test player
Born
September 1st, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1919, a South African cricketer played as a right-hand batsman and wicketkeeper. Represented South Africa in Test matches from 1948 to 1957. Contributed significantly to the team during the early post-war era. Participated in the domestic circuit and achieved notable performances.

Continue Reading

Ralph Young

American singer and actor in musicals
Born
July 1st, 1918 106 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1918, a prominent American singer and actor gained recognition for performances in musical theatre. Achieved significant success on Broadway, captivating audiences and earning acclaim for a rich baritone voice. Featured in notable productions including 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel'. Also made appearances in film and television, showcasing versatile talents in various genres. His contributions to the arts have left a lasting legacy in American musical theatre.

Continue Reading

Daniel Carleton Gajdusek

Physician and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
September 9th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to the understanding of prion diseases through research on kuru and its transmission among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea were significant. Pioneered studies on the pathology and epidemiology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Worked at the National Institutes of Health and found links between infectious agents and neurodegenerative disorders. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for discoveries related to kuru.

Continue Reading

Samuel P. Huntington

Political Scientist and Author
Born
April 18th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 81 years old

A political scientist and academic, this individual contributed significantly to the study of political order and cultural identity. Published works included 'The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order', which proposed a framework for understanding global conflict in the post-Cold War era. Served as a professor at Harvard University, influencing generations of students. Held the role of director of the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies and engaged in various public discussions and lectures on international relations and security.

Continue Reading

Raymonde Allain

French model and actress known for films
Born
June 22nd, 1912 112 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 96 years old

Born in France, this individual gained recognition as a model and actress during the 1930s. A prominent figure in French cinema, appeared in films such as 'Les Surprises de la radio' and 'La Kermesse héroïque'. With a career that spanned several decades, also worked in theater and contributed to various artistic endeavors.

Continue Reading

Tassos Papadopoulos

Cypriot lawyer and 5th President of Cyprus
Born
January 7th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the 5th President of Cyprus from 2003 to 2008. Contributed to the political landscape of Cyprus through various roles, including his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives and Minister of Finance. Played a significant role in the discussions surrounding the Annan Plan intended to resolve the Cyprus dispute. Had a long career in law and politics, shaping policies that influenced the nation during critical periods.

Continue Reading

Richard Hickox

Conductor of classical music and opera
Born
March 5th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent conductor and scholar, notable for contributions to classical music. Served as the principal conductor for several prestigious orchestras, including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Conducted world premieres and made significant recordings, especially focusing on British choral music. Involved with major opera houses, enhancing the performance quality and accessibility of classical works.

Continue Reading

Dottie Rambo

American singer-songwriter and gospel artist
Born
March 2nd, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 74 years old

A prolific songwriter and performer in the gospel music genre, contributed significantly to the Christian music landscape. Started performing at a young age and gained national attention through numerous albums and live performances. Helped popularize Southern gospel music through heartfelt songwriting and distinctive vocal style. The career included over 2,500 songs, many of which became staples in the genre. Received multiple accolades and awards throughout her career, including induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading