What Happened This Year 2012

People Who Died in 2012

Boris Šprem

Croatian politician and parliamentary leader
Born
April 14th, 1956 69 years ago
Died
September 30th, 2012 12 years ago — 56 years old

Served as the 8th President of the Croatian Parliament from 2011 to 2015. Held various roles within the political sphere, including positions in the Social Democratic Party. Played a significant role in legislative processes and political discourse in Croatia during his tenure. Engaged in legal practice prior to entering politics, contributing to a blend of legal expertise and political acumen.

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Barbara Ann Scott

Canadian figure skater and Olympic champion
Born
May 9th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
September 30th, 2012 12 years ago — 84 years old

Achieved success as a competitive figure skater during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Won the gold medal at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, becoming the first Canadian to win Olympic gold in figure skating. Secured multiple Canadian championships and world titles during her career, establishing a prominent legacy in the sport. After retiring from competition, transitioned to professional performances and exhibitions, further popularizing figure skating in Canada and abroad.

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Turhan Bey

American actor in classic films
Born
March 30th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
September 30th, 2012 12 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Austria, later moved to the United States where an acting career began in the 1940s. Gained recognition in films like 'The Jungle Book' and 'Arabian Nights'. Worked in several Hollywood productions during the Golden Age. Transitioned to television in later years, appearing in series such as 'The Love Boat' and 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. Retired from acting in the 1980s but maintained a presence in the entertainment industry through conventions and fan events.

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Moshe Sanbar

Economist and banker
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 86 years old

An economist and banker who played a significant role in the Israeli economy and financial sector. Held various positions in both public and private sectors, including a prominent role in Israel's central bank. Contributed to the development of banking policies that shaped the financial landscape of Israel. Engaged in economic policy formulation and advised on national financial strategies.

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Shlomo Venezia

Greek-Italian Holocaust survivor and author
Born
December 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 88 years old

Born in Greece, a survivor of the Holocaust, documented experiences in Auschwitz and other camps. After the war, settled in Italy, where personal narratives highlighted the brutality faced during this period. Worked to educate others about the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and truth. Authored influential works that served to preserve the memory of the victims and the horrors endured. Contributed to various initiatives aimed at Holocaust education.

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Octavio Getino

Filmmaker and screenwriter of 'The Hour of the Furnaces'
Born
August 6th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 77 years old

A significant figure in cinema and a prominent director, this individual contributed to the Latin American film movement. Co-directed 'The Hour of the Furnaces,' a landmark film that explored social issues in Argentina and Latin America. With a focus on political themes, also engaged in theoretical writings about cinema, linking film to social transformation. Worked closely with other filmmakers to promote necessary changes in the film industry, advocating for a new wave of cinema in the region. Throughout a career spanning several decades, emphasized the importance of film as a tool for social commentary.

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Mark R. Kravitz

American lawyer and federal judge
Born
1950 75 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 62 years old

Practiced law in Connecticut after graduating from Yale Law School. Served as a United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut from 2006 until 2012. Appointed to the federal bench by George W. Bush. Held significant roles within the court system and contributed to various legal reforms during tenure.

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Eric Hobsbawm

Historian and author of influential works
Born
June 9th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
October 1st, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent historian and author, contributions focused on social and economic history. Developed key concepts in the understanding of history from the late 18th century to the present, particularly regarding the rise of modernity and class structure. Major works include 'The Age of Revolution' and 'The Age of Extremes', which explored the intertwining of socio-economic factors with historical events. Engaged in Marxist analysis and maintained a significant academic presence throughout his career.

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Robert F. Christy

Physicist and astronomer, Manhattan Project
Born
May 14th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
October 3rd, 2012 12 years ago — 96 years old

Contributions to nuclear physics and astrophysics marked a significant career. Worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II, focusing on nuclear weapon development. After the war, engaged in research related to cosmic radiation and stellar nucleosynthesis. Held academic positions and was involved in international scientific collaboration. Contributed to the development of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology.

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