What Happened This Year 2014

People Who Died in 2014

Luise Rainer

German-English actress with Academy Awards
Born
January 12th, 1910 116 years ago
Died
December 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 104 years old

Born in Germany, a celebrated actress gained prominence in the 1930s. Rainer starred in films such as 'The Great Ziegfeld' and 'The Good Earth'. Her performances earned her critical acclaim and two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actress, making her the first to achieve this feat. After a successful early career in Hollywood, she relocated to Europe, where she continued to act in various productions. Rainer's contributions to cinema during her peak years solidified her legacy in film history.

Continue Reading

Valerian Wellesley

British Duke, politician, and soldier
Born
July 2nd, 1915 110 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 99 years old

Served as the 8th Duke of Wellington, holding a prominent role in the House of Lords. Participated in military service during World War II, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Engaged in politics, advocating for various causes and contributing to legislative discussions. Inherited the title of Duke in 1943, representing a historic lineage linked to the Battle of Waterloo. Maintained a lifelong connection to the family estate at Stratfield Saye, preserving the legacy of the Wellington family.

Continue Reading

S. Arthur Spiegel

American captain and federal judge
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Later pursued a legal career, becoming a notable lawyer in Ohio. Appointed as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, serving from 1973 until retirement in 1997. Made significant contributions to the legal system and presided over various important cases throughout tenure.

Continue Reading

Norm Phelps

American author and animal rights activist
Born
1939 87 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 75 years old

An author and activist dedicated to animal rights, engaged in promoting the welfare of animals through writing and advocacy. Contributed to the movement by authoring significant works that explore ethical treatment and rights of animals. Played a pivotal role in raising awareness about animal suffering and the importance of compassion towards all living beings. Actively participated in various organizations and campaigns aimed at improving legal protections for animals.

Continue Reading

Abdullah Hussain

Malaysian author of literary works
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed significantly to Malaysian literature through novels and essays. Gained prominence with literary works that explored themes of identity, culture, and history in Malaysia. Received accolades for contributions to Malay literature, including the prestigious Southeast Asia Write Award. His writings often reflected the complexities of modern Malaysian society, and he played a key role in the development of contemporary Malay narratives.

Continue Reading

Edward Herrmann

American actor, narrator, and producer
Born
July 21st, 1943 82 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2014 11 years ago — 71 years old

An American actor, narrator, and producer, this individual had a prominent career in film, television, and theater. Best recognized for portraying Richard Gilmore in the series 'Gilmore Girls' and the narrator in 'The History Channel' documentaries, the actor also appeared in films such as 'The Lost Boys' and 'The Great Waldo Pepper'. His voice work garnered acclaim, contributing to numerous documentaries and projects, showcasing his versatility in performance.

Continue Reading

Bob Lanier

American politician and banker
Born
March 10th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
May 10th, 2022 4 years ago — 97 years old

Served as the Mayor of Houston from 1974 to 1978. Prior to his political career, held various positions in banking, ultimately contributing to economic development initiatives in Houston. Played a significant role in local governance and urban planning. Actively participated in community affairs and worked to improve infrastructure and public services in the city.

Continue Reading

Madeline Gins

Poet and architect of 'The House of Myths'
Born
November 7th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2014 12 years ago — 73 years old

An American poet and architect, contributed to the intersection of architecture and literature. Co-created 'The House of Myths', a significant architectural project that emerged from explorations of space and its potential for myth-making. Engaged in various artistic endeavors, blending poetic expressions with architectural visions. Published works include poetry collections, essays, and theoretical writings, which explored concepts of identity, space, and relationships. Collaborated with various artists and thinkers, significantly impacting contemporary poetry and conceptual architecture.

Continue Reading

Gail Gilmore

Canadian-American actress and dancer
Born
October 4th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2014 12 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1937, this actress and dancer gained recognition for performances in musical theater. She featured prominently in the Broadway production of 'South Pacific' and achieved acclaim for her role in the 1961 film adaptation of 'Flower Drum Song.' Additionally, she has appeared in various television shows, showcasing both acting and dance skills.

Continue Reading