What Happened This Year 2009

People Who Died in 2009

Pearl Hackney

English actress with stage and TV roles
Born
October 28th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 93 years old

Born in England, an actress gained recognition for stage performances and television roles. Active primarily from the mid-20th century, appeared in productions including 'The Forsyte Saga' and 'Doctor Who'. Worked extensively in British theater, contributing to numerous renowned plays and performances.

Continue Reading

Ray Barrett

Actor and singer in Australian cinema
Born
May 2nd, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 82 years old

An Australian actor and singer achieved prominence in both television and film during a career spanning several decades. Early work included performances in television series such as 'Homicide' and 'A Country Practice.' Barrett also appeared in feature films, including 'The Devil's Playground' and 'The Last of the Knuckleheads.' His contributions to the arts earned recognition within the Australian entertainment industry. In addition to acting, Barrett showcased musical talent, often incorporating song into performances. He received accolades for work on stage and screen, establishing a legacy within the Australian performing arts landscape.

Continue Reading

Arnold Meri

Estonian colonel during WWII
Born
July 1st, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1919, an Estonian military officer served as a colonel during World War II. Participated in significant battles on the Eastern Front, notably in the defense of Estonia against Soviet forces. After the war, continued to be involved in military affairs and was recognized for strategic leadership and tactical expertise. Post-war, lived in exile due to the political situation in Estonia. Contributed to the preservation of Estonian culture and military history.

Continue Reading

Alain Bashung

Singer-songwriter with 'Gogh' album
Born
December 1st, 1947 77 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 62 years old

Active in the music scene from the 1960s until 2009, this artist gained recognition for a unique blend of rock, pop, and chanson. Released the influential album 'Gogh' in 1991, which featured tracks that showcased lyrical depth and innovative instrumentation. In addition to a successful music career, ventured into acting, appearing in films and television. The artist's contributions to music earned multiple awards, including Victoires de la Musique.

Continue Reading

Pavel Popovich

Ukrainian cosmonaut and pilot
Born
October 5th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 79 years old

Became the first Ukrainian to fly in space in 1962, completing a mission aboard the Vostok 4 spacecraft. Served as a general in the Soviet Air Force and later as a prominent figure within the Soviet space program. Participated in significant training and military operations, contributing to advancements in aviation and space exploration. Also worked as the head of the Spacecraft Control Department.

Continue Reading

Radovan Ivšić

Croatian writer and poet
Born
June 22nd, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 88 years old

A Croatian writer and poet contributed significantly to literature during the 20th century. Ivšić's works include poetry, prose, and essays that reflect various themes related to human experience and emotion. Engaged in literary circles, Ivšić played a vital role in Croatian literature, gaining recognition for his unique style and voice. His literary career spanned several decades, during which time he published numerous collections and participated in various cultural initiatives.

Continue Reading

Rica Erickson

Botanist and botanical historian
Born
August 10th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 101 years old

A prominent Australian botanist and historian, Rica Erickson dedicated much of her life to the study of Australian flora. Significant contributions included extensive research on native plants and the development of a comprehensive publication on the topic. As an author, her works provided essential insights into the field of botany and the conservation of plant species. Erickson played a key role in promoting awareness and understanding of Australia's unique botanical heritage, participating in various botanical surveys and contributing to the education of future botanists.

Continue Reading

Patricia De Martelaere

Philosopher, author, academic with notable writings
Born
April 16th, 1957 67 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 52 years old

Engaged in significant philosophical work, primarily focusing on ethics, aesthetics, and the philosophy of language. Contributed to academic literature with essays and books that explored complex philosophical ideas. Also served in academic roles, mentoring students and participating in various educational programs. Writings exhibit a deep inquiry into the nature of human experience and understanding.

Continue Reading

John Cater

English actor in television and film
Born
January 17th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
2009 16 years ago — 77 years old

An English actor gained attention in both television and film during a career spanning several decades. Prominent roles included appearances in the classic series 'Doctor Who' and 'The Prisoner'. Cater also featured in films like 'The Great Escape' and 'The Amorous Prawn', showcasing versatility in performance across various genres. His contributions to British entertainment left a mark on the industry.

Continue Reading