What Happened This Year 2012

People Who Died in 2012

Steve Franken

American actor in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2012 12 years ago — 80 years old

An American actor participated in various television series and films. Gained recognition for notable roles, particularly in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' and 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'. Appeared in numerous guest spots across popular shows, contributing significantly to television in the 1960s and 1970s. Career spanned several decades, showcasing versatility in character portrayals. Contributed to both comedic and dramatic narratives in entertainment.

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Félix Miélli Venerando

Football Manager and Player
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
August 24th, 2012 12 years ago — 75 years old

Played as a goalkeeper in Brazilian football and later transitioned into management. Achieved notable success with the São Paulo FC, leading the team to various championships. Managed several clubs during his coaching career, including the Brazil national team, which he guided to a prestigious Copa América title. His contributions to the sport spanned decades, influencing both players and teams in Brazilian football.

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Neil Armstrong

Aerospace engineer and astronaut
Born
August 5th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
August 25th, 2012 12 years ago — 82 years old

Born on August 5, 1930, an American pilot and engineer joined NASA and became the first person to set foot on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. After achieving a Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, flew as a naval aviator before transitioning to test pilot. Participated in several significant aerospace missions, including Gemini 8 and Apollo 11. The Moon landing on July 20, 1969, marked a historic achievement in space exploration, and the phrase 'That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind' became iconic.

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Donald Gorrie

Scottish politician and legislator
Born
1933 92 years ago
Died
August 25th, 2012 12 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a Scottish politician primarily for the Liberal Democrats. Elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Central Scotland region in 1999. Advocated for issues such as environmental sustainability, education, and social justice throughout the political career. Contributed to parliamentary committees that focused on health and education reforms. Retired from politics after reaching the end of parliamentary term in 2007.

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Reginald Bartholomew

Diplomat and United States Ambassador
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2012 12 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a diplomat with a focus on U.S.-Italy relations. Held the position of United States Ambassador to Italy from 1984 to 1986. Engaged in significant diplomatic efforts during the Cold War, fostering ties between the nations. Contributed to the development of U.S. foreign policy in Europe and participated in various international negotiations.

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Krzysztof Wilmanski

Physicist and academic with research focus
Born
1940 85 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2012 12 years ago — 72 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics through theoretical work and academia. Engaged in research that advanced understanding of electromagnetic phenomena and fluid dynamics. Held academic positions at universities in Poland and Germany, fostering education and innovation in physical sciences. Authored numerous papers and publications that contributed to the scientific community.

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Russ Alben

Composer and businessman, 'About Face'
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2012 12 years ago — 83 years old

A composer and businessman focused primarily in the field of commercial and industrial music. Worked alongside various advertising agencies, creating memorable jingles and scores that contributed to effective branding. Founded a successful music production company, which provided a platform for numerous aspiring composers. One of the most significant works includes the jingle for the popular national campaign, 'About Face', which gained widespread recognition in the 1990s. Continued to innovate in the industry until death in 2012.

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Neville Alexander

Linguist and language activist
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
August 27th, 2012 12 years ago — 76 years old

Contributions included work on the development of language policies and the promotion of mother-tongue education in South Africa. Focused on the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages. Engaged in activism that addressed the linguistic rights of marginalized communities. Authored several books and articles on language, education, and politics. Served as the director of the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa.

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Malcolm Browne

Journalist and photographer for Vietnam War
Born
April 17th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
August 27th, 2012 12 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to journalism during the Vietnam War. Served as a war correspondent for the Associated Press, capturing critical moments that defined public perceptions of the conflict. Famous for the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a Buddhist monk's self-immolation in 1963, this image highlighted the harsh realities and moral complexities of the war. Later worked for The New York Times, continuing to report on major global events.

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