What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Robert Easton

American actor and screenwriter
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2011 13 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed to the film industry as an actor and screenwriter. Played a significant role in movies and television series, often portraying various characters with distinctive accents. Developed skills in dialect coaching and collaborated with several notable actors and filmmakers during a career spanning several decades. Provided language and dialect coaching for numerous films, aiding actors in achieving authentic performances.

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Nicol Williamson

Scottish actor in 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution'
Born
September 14th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2011 13 years ago — 73 years old

An accomplished Scottish actor, recognized for his versatile performances in film and theater. Gained prominence with roles in productions such as 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution' where he portrayed Sherlock Holmes and 'Excalibur' as Merlin. Most notable for a commanding stage presence and an ability to embody complex characters.

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Eva Ekvall

Venezuelan journalist and author
Born
1983 42 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2011 13 years ago — 28 years old

Served as a journalist and authored literary works. Won the title of Miss Venezuela in 2000. Elected to represent Venezuela at the Miss Universe pageant. Engaged in social issues, particularly raising awareness about breast cancer after her diagnosis. Ekvall's work focused on media and communication within the Venezuelan context.

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Kim Jong-il

North Korean Supreme Leader
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2011 13 years ago — 70 years old

Served as the Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1994 until 2011. Assumed leadership following the death of Kim Il-sung, the nation's founder and his father. Oversaw the country's nuclear weapons development program, which led to increased tensions with the international community. His tenure was marked by a strong cult of personality and an emphasis on military-first policies, leading to significant military expansion.

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Václav Havel

Czech playwright and first president
Born
October 5th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
December 18th, 2011 13 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in Czech literature and politics, the individual gained recognition as a playwright and essayist. His work often critiqued totalitarianism and advocated for democracy and human rights. In 1989, played a crucial role in the Velvet Revolution that led to the end of communist rule in Czechoslovakia. Subsequently, served as the last president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992 and became the first president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003. Through various writings, the individual contributed to the discourse on freedom and civil rights.

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Johannes Heesters

Actor and singer; renowned musical performances
Born
December 5th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2011 13 years ago — 108 years old

Born in 1903, this individual achieved prominence as an actor and singer in Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. He became renowned for performances in operettas, musicals, and films. The career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in various productions, showcasing vocal talent and charm. This individual gained further acclaim through appearances in the operettas 'The Merry Widow' and 'Kiss Me, Kate'. Continued to perform well into advanced age, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.

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Giorgio Bocca

Italian journalist and author
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2011 13 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent Italian journalist, Bocca contributed to several major publications throughout his career, including L'Espresso and Corriere della Sera. He gained recognition as an influential figure in Italian media, addressing political and social issues with keen insight. Over the years, Bocca authored numerous books, notably exploring contemporary Italian history and its complexities. His commentary during significant political events, including the years of lead, shaped public discourse. In addition, he received various accolades for his journalism, reflecting his commitment to uncovering the truths of Italian society.

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Pedro Armendáriz Jr.

Actor in Mexican cinema and television
Born
April 6th, 1940 84 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2011 13 years ago — 71 years old

An actor and producer who contributed significantly to the Mexican film industry. Gained recognition for roles in several critically acclaimed films and television series. His career spanned over four decades, appearing in numerous productions that showcased his talent and versatility. Participated in international projects, enhancing the visibility of Mexican cinema worldwide. Also worked in theater, further broadening artistic expression through various mediums.

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James Rizzi

Painter and illustrator of vibrant art
Born
October 5th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2011 13 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1950, a prominent American painter and illustrator became widely recognized for colorful, joyful depictions of urban life, primarily in New York City. Rizzi developed a unique style characterized by intricate details and bold colors, creating 3D artworks and animations that captured architectural features of cities. His work gained popularity in the 1980s, making bold statements about cityscapes alongside themes of love and community. Rizzi’s pieces were featured in numerous exhibitions and are held in various prestigious collections. He also contributed designs for large public projects, including the famous 'Rizzi House' in Germany, which showcased his signature style on a grand scale.

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