What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

George Tooker

American painter; work includes 'The Waiting Room'
Born
August 5th, 1920 104 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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Gordon Tootoosis

Aboriginal Canadian actor in TV and film
Born
October 25th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 70 years old

Established a prominent career as an Aboriginal Canadian actor, contributing significantly to the representation of Indigenous peoples in film and television. Appeared in acclaimed productions such as the television series 'North of 60' and the movie 'Smoke Signals'. Worked extensively in the industry, bringing depth to Indigenous storytelling and cultural narratives. Engaged with various artistic and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting Aboriginal culture and rights.

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Bo Carpelan

Finnish poet and author of acclaimed works
Born
October 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1926, a Finnish poet and author contributed significantly to literature with a focus on themes of identity, nature, and memory. The writer produced poetry, novels, and essays, often reflecting the complexity of human experiences. Published works include 'Kävelykuvia' and 'Blomster', showcasing lyrical prowess and deep introspection. Recognition for contributions to Finnish literature includes several literary awards. Carpelan's works often intertwined personal and cultural references, enriching the Finnish literary landscape.

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Manfred Mayrhofer

Philologist and academic researcher
Born
September 26th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Austria in 1926, a significant figure in philology and linguistics. Focused on the study of historical linguistics and etymology. Engaged in extensive research on the origin and development of languages, particularly Indo-European languages. Contributed to various academic publications and served as a professor at several institutions, shaping the field of philology through teaching and research initiatives.

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Millito Navarro

Puerto Rican baseball player, MLB player
Born
September 26th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 106 years old

A professional baseball player from Puerto Rico, played in Major League Baseball primarily during the 1930s. Made his debut with the Chicago Cubs and later played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Known for a strong batting average and solid defensive skills during a career that contributed to the growing presence of Puerto Rican athletes in the sport.

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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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Tatyana Shmyga

Russian actress and singer
Born
December 31st, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 83 years old

An influential figure in Soviet cinema and music, contributions spanned several decades. Portrayed memorable roles in films during the 1950s and 60s. Achieved recognition for performance in the film 'The Straw Hat' and gained popularity as a singer with several hit songs. Her work included collaborations with prominent artists and participation in cultural events.

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Sri Lal Sukla

Indian author of Raag Darbari
Born
December 31st, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 86 years old

An Indian author contributed significantly to Hindi literature, particularly through the novel Raag Darbari. The work explored themes of rural life and bureaucracy, gaining prominence for its satirical portrayal of societal issues in post-independence India. The novel earned critical acclaim and won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1969. Apart from Raag Darbari, also engaged in writing essays and critiques that reflected contemporary society. Worked as a lecturer and served in various editorial roles in literary publications.

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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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