What Happened This Year 2012

People Who Died in 2012

Dan Roundfield

American basketball player and All-Star
Born
1953 72 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 59 years old

Played professional basketball in the NBA from 1975 to 1986. Spent the majority of his career with the Atlanta Hawks. Also played for the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. Recognized for defensive skills and rebounding ability. Selected as an NBA All-Star in 1980. Participated in playoff appearances and contributed to team success during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

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Ruggiero Ricci

American violinist and educator
Born
July 24th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent violinist and educator, made significant contributions to classical music. Gained recognition for the performances of both mainstream and lesser-known violin repertoire. Played a vital role in promoting the works of contemporary composers. Served as a professor at various institutions, imparting knowledge and passion for the violin to future generations. His skillful interpretations earned him acclaim worldwide.

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Robert Hughes

Author and art critic, wrote 'The Shock of the New'
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 74 years old

An Australian-American author and critic, contributed significantly to art criticism and cultural commentary. Served as the art critic for Time magazine for three decades. Published several influential books, including 'The Shock of the New,' which examined the evolution of modern art. His works often included sharp analyses of contemporary art and culture, blending personal narrative with insightful critique. Received several awards for contributions to art criticism and literature, establishing a prominent voice in the field.

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Marvin Hamlisch

American composer and conductor of 'A Chorus Line'
Born
June 2nd, 1944 80 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 68 years old

An American composer and conductor was involved in various aspects of music, including film scores, Broadway musicals, and symphonic compositions. Achieved success through a range of genres, contributing significantly to the arts. Won three Academy Awards for music contributions, notably for 'The Way We Were' and 'The Sting'. Other notable accolades include Grammy Awards and a Tony Award for 'A Chorus Line', which also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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Richard Cragun

Ballet dancer and choreographer
Born
1944 81 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 68 years old

An American-Brazilian ballet dancer and choreographer, gained prominence as a principal dancer with the Stuttgart Ballet. Collaborated with notable choreographers and featured in productions of renowned ballets like 'Swan Lake' and 'Romeo and Juliet'. Contributed significantly to the artistic development of the ballet scene in Brazil after relocating there. Cragun also taught and mentored emerging dancers, influencing the next generation of performers.

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Dušan Zbavitel

Czech indologist and author
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
August 7th, 2012 12 years ago — 87 years old

Specialized in Indian philosophy and linguistics. Contributed to the field of indology through research and teaching. Authored several scholarly works, focusing on the development of Indian languages and culture. Advanced understanding of Sanskrit and its historical context. Held academic positions at various institutions, influencing students and researchers in the field.

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Anna Piaggi

Italian journalist and fashion writer
Born
1931 94 years ago
Died
August 7th, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent fashion journalist and author, contributed significantly to the fashion industry through insightful commentary and unique style. Served as an editor for Italian Vogue, where she influenced the publication's direction and aesthetic. Authored several books on fashion and style that reflected personal perspectives and historical contexts. Noted for her eccentric fashion sense, which became a subject of interest and admiration in the fashion community.

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Murtuz Alasgarov

Azerbaijani politician and academic leader
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
August 7th, 2012 12 years ago — 84 years old

Held the position of Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. Completed a distinguished career in academia alongside political roles, contributing to legislative processes and governance in the country. Played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Azerbaijan during a transformative period in its history. Engaged in various educational initiatives and reforms aimed at improving the academic system and fostering intellectual development within the nation.

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Kurt Maetzig

German film director and screenwriter
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
August 8th, 2012 12 years ago — 101 years old

Directed and wrote numerous significant films in East Germany, contributing to the development of DEFA, the state film studio. Played a key role in the film industry with works that often focused on social issues. Some films explored themes of love, conflict, and human relationships. Received multiple awards for contributions to film and art, including the National Prize of East Germany. His notable works include 'The Rabbit Is Alive' and 'The Woman and the Stranger.'

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