What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Zdeněk Miler

Czech animator of 'The Little Mole'
Born
February 21st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1921, this animator gained prominence for creating the beloved character of The Little Mole, known for its charming storytelling and gentle humor. The character first appeared in animated films in the 1950s and quickly became a symbol of Czech animation. Miler's work includes numerous short films and television series featuring The Little Mole, captivating audiences with its simple yet endearing narratives. Miler's contribution to children's entertainment continues to resonate in Czech culture and beyond.

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Bad News Brown

Canadian rapper and actor
Born
May 8th, 1977 48 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 34 years old

A Canadian rapper, harmonica player, and actor. Rose to prominence in the music scene with a unique blend of hip-hop and harmonica performances. Gained recognition for collaborations with various artists and contributed to the Canadian hip-hop landscape. Transitioned into acting, appearing in notable productions that showcased versatility in performance. Helped to elevate the profile of Canadian rap through creative expression and musical innovation.

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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Cricketer and coach, captain of India
Born
January 5th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

An accomplished cricketer and coach, this individual served as the captain of the Indian cricket team. A right-handed batsman, he made significant contributions to Indian cricket during the 1960s and early 1970s. His leadership style and tactical acumen elevated the team's performance in match play. Following his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, sharing expertise with both domestic and international players. A significant figure in the sport, he inspired future generations of cricketers.

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John Waite

Cricketer with South African national team
Born
January 19th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 81 years old

This individual played as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler for the South African national cricket team. Represented South Africa in 16 Test matches from 1952 to 1957. Contributed to the team's efforts during a time of international cricketing challenges. Featured prominently in the domestic circuit as well, playing for teams such as Western Province and Transvaal.

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Gene Colan

Comic book illustrator for Marvel Comics
Born
September 1st, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

An illustrator contributed significantly to the comic book industry, particularly for Marvel Comics. Worked on notable characters such as Daredevil and Dracula, bringing a distinct style and dynamic storytelling to the pages. Created iconic story arcs that shaped the narrative of superhero comics in the 1960s and 1970s. Colan's work showcased a unique blend of realism and fantasy, influencing generations of artists in the comic book medium. Received multiple awards for contributions to the industry, solidifying a legacy within the art community.

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Wiel Coerver

Football manager and player, Coerver Method
Born
December 3rd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 87 years old

A Dutch football player and manager, recognized for developing the Coerver Method, a technique focused on improving individual skills and ball control. Played as a midfielder during the 1940s and 1950s. Transitioned into coaching, where he implemented the Coerver Method to train players and teams. His coaching influenced many football academies and trainers worldwide, emphasizing skill development through structured training sessions. Worked with various clubs and national teams, contributing to the growth of young talent in football.

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George Tooker

American painter; work includes 'The Waiting Room'
Born
August 5th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 91 years old

An American painter, recognized for creating figurative works that often incorporate surreal elements. Tooker's art reflects social concerns and a deep empathy for the human condition. He studied at the National Academy of Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His paintings feature intricate details and rich colors, depicting individuals in contemplative settings. 'The Waiting Room', created in 1950, is one of his signature works, illustrating themes of isolation and connection. Throughout his career, Tooker received various accolades and exhibited widely across the United States and internationally.

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Simona Senoner

Ski Jumper and World Championship medalist
Born
June 13th, 1993 32 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 18 years old

Competed in ski jumping and represented Italy at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. Achieved notable performances in international competitions. Specialized in the women's ski jumping events, contributing to the sport's development in Italy.

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Liviu Ciulei

Romanian actor and director of plays
Born
July 7th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 88 years old

Ciulei was an influential figure in Romanian theater and cinema. He studied at the University of Bucharest, where he later became a prominent teacher. His directorial debut occurred in the 1960s, leading a production of 'Hamlet'. Ciulei also starred in films such as 'The Reenactment' and 'The Last Stop'. His innovative approach to stage directing earned him recognition among peers. He received numerous awards for his contributions to theater and film, receiving accolades at both national and international levels.

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