What Happened This Year 2011

People Who Died in 2011

Chuck Gilmur

Basketball player and coach, educator
Born
August 13th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 89 years old

A professional basketball player and coach, played for various teams in the NBA and served as a coach at different levels throughout his career. Contributed to basketball as an educator, teaching fundamentals and sharing knowledge with students and athletes. Led teams to various championships and fostered the growth of young players in the sport.

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Josef Vašíček

Czech ice hockey player, Stanley Cup champion
Born
September 12th, 1980 45 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 31 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily in the National Hockey League (NHL). Vašíček was a forward who represented several teams, most notably the Carolina Hurricanes. Contributed to the team's success in winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. Also played for the New York Islanders and had a notable career in international competitions, representing the Czech Republic.

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Charles H. Percy

American politician and government official
Born
September 27th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a United States Senator from Illinois from 1967 to 1985. Held the position of chairman for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Actively participated in the debates surrounding major legislation during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the development of significant laws in areas including telecommunications and transportation. Prior to his senatorial career, was the president and CEO of a successful manufacturing company, enhancing expertise in business and governance.

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Arthur Laurents

American playwright, director, screenwriter
Born
July 14th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent playwright and screenwriter, contributed significantly to American theater and film. Best recognized for writing the book for the musical 'West Side Story' and the play 'See You Next Tuesday'. His works often featured complex characters and intricate storytelling. Directed productions on Broadway and received acclaim for revivals and adaptations. Also worked in television, creating and writing scripts for series that garnered critical praise. Received multiple awards including Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award for contributions to theater.

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Zoogz Rift

Musician and professional wrestler
Born
July 10th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1953, this individual achieved recognition as both a musician and professional wrestler. As a musician, contributions included experimental rock and avant-garde music, characterized by unique sound and performance style. The wrestling career featured participation in various promotions, showcasing both physical prowess and theatrical performance. The combination of these two careers established a distinct persona within both music and sports entertainment.

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Baruj Benacerraf

Immunologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 29th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 91 years old

Born in Venezuela, this physician specialized in immunology and made significant contributions to the understanding of the immune system. The research focused on the role of major histocompatibility complex molecules in immune response. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1980 for groundbreaking work in the field, collaborating with colleagues in the study of transplantation and immunity mechanisms. Later, this individual held a prominent position at Harvard Medical School, continuing research and teaching.

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Nikos Papazoglou

Greek singer-songwriter and producer
Born
March 20th, 1948 78 years ago
Died
2011 15 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent figure in Greek music, recognized for contributions as a singer and songwriter. Pioneered a blend of traditional folk and contemporary styles in Greek music. Established a successful career in the 1970s and continued to produce influential works until the 2000s. Papazoglou's music often reflects elements of Greek culture and historical themes, resonating with a broad audience. His collaborations with various Greek artists further shaped the modern Greek music landscape, and his songs continue to be celebrated.

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Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Cricketer and coach, captain of India
Born
January 5th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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Bad News Brown

Canadian rapper and actor
Born
May 8th, 1977 49 years ago
Died
2011 15 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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