What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Francisco Solano López

Argentinian illustrator of 'Patoruzú'
Born
October 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1928, this illustrator became a prominent figure in the Argentinian comic scene. He gained recognition for creating the character Patoruzú, an iconic figure in Argentine comic books. The character, a noble and strong indigenous chief, captured the spirit of the nation and became a symbol of Argentinian culture. In addition to Patoruzú, the illustrator worked on various other comic series and was influential in the development of graphic storytelling in Argentina during the 20th century.

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Leslie Brooks

American actress from the 1940s
Born
July 13th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 89 years old

Active during the 1940s, Leslie Brooks gained recognition in the film industry for roles in notable movies. She starred in films such as 'The Devil on Wheels' and 'The Lady from Texas', showcasing her talent in different genres. Brooks also made appearances in various screen projects, contributing to the entertainment landscape of her time. Her work primarily revolved around the B-movie sector, where she demonstrated her acting capabilities. Brooks left an impression with her performances and became a familiar face in American cinema during her career.

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Ahmed Bouanani

Moroccan filmmaker and visual artist
Born
November 16th, 1938 86 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Morocco in 1938, this filmmaker made significant contributions to Moroccan cinema and culture. The works spanned various forms, including documentary and fiction films. Initiating a new narrative style, the filmmaker's debut feature, 'The Silence of the Sea,' was a critical exploration of historical and cultural themes. The filmmaker also produced several acclaimed documentaries that reflect social issues and local traditions. Besides filmmaking, activities included painting and writing, further showcasing a multifaceted approach to artistic expression. The artistic legacy left continues to influence future generations of filmmakers in Morocco and beyond.

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Inge Sørensen

Danish swimmer, Olympic medalist
Born
July 18th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 87 years old

Inge Sørensen was a competitive swimmer from Denmark who specialized in breaststroke. Born in 1924, Sørensen made history by becoming the first woman to swim under the two-minute mark in the 200-meter breaststroke. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Sørensen won a bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke, which was significant as she was only 12 years old at the time. This accomplishment marked a milestone in her early swimming career and set the stage for her future contributions to the sport. She achieved numerous national titles and broke various records throughout her swimming career, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Danish sports.

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Cookie Gilchrist

American football player and Hall of Famer
Born
May 25th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 76 years old

Played as a running back in American football, primarily for the Buffalo Bills in the 1960s. Established a reputation as a powerful and versatile player, becoming an integral part of the team's success. Achieved recognition as a standout athlete while contributing significantly to the growth of the sport during his era. Transitioned to coaching and became involved in various football initiatives after retirement.

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Joey Carew

Trinidadian cricketer and Test player
Born
September 15th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 74 years old

A Trinidadian cricketer, this athlete played for the West Indies national team primarily during the 1960s. Represented Trinidad and Tobago in domestic cricket as well. Debuted in Test cricket in 1954 and played in 31 Test matches until 1969, achieving a batting average of 36.18. Contributed significantly as a middle-order batsman during a formative period for West Indies cricket.

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Willem Duys

Tennis player and Dutch sportscaster
Born
August 17th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

A Dutch tennis player and sportscaster, contributed significantly to the sporting world through both athletic achievements and broadcasting. Competed professionally in tennis during the mid-20th century, representing the Netherlands in multiple prestigious tournaments. Later transitioned to a successful career in sports broadcasting and production, where his insights enriched viewers' understanding of various sports, particularly tennis. His work as a television producer further established the connection between sports and entertainment in the Netherlands. Throughout a dynamic career, left a lasting legacy in the realm of sports media while also showcasing his tennis prowess.

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Homer Smith

American football player and coach
Born
October 9th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 80 years old

A college football player and later a coach, achieved success in various coaching roles. Served as head coach at several universities, including the University of Arizona and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Contributed to the development of the passing game in American football, influencing future coaching strategies. Also known for coaching stints in the Canadian Football League.

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Jane Russell

Actress & singer in 'The Outlaw'
Born
June 21st, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 90 years old

An American actress and singer gained prominence in the 1940s. Notable for starring in the film 'The Outlaw,' which was directed by Howard Hughes, this work showcased both her acting ability and her striking beauty. Russell also appeared in films such as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' alongside Marilyn Monroe and 'The Paleface' with Bob Hope. In addition to film work, she recorded several albums, highlighting her singing talent. Russell became a prominent figure in Hollywood during her career, appearing in over 20 films. She was also involved in charitable work, sponsoring youth and promoting healthcare initiatives.

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