What Happened This Year 2014

People Who Died in 2014

Bill Kerr

South African-Australian actor in film
Born
June 10th, 1922 102 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 92 years old

Born in South Africa, one pivotal role in career occurred when played a significant part in 'The King and I' in 1956. Relocated to Australia in the 1960s and participated in various television series, contributing to the local entertainment industry. Also featured in several films, including 'The Adventures of Barry McKenzie' and 'The Last of the Knucklemen'. Kerr engaged in stage performances, showcasing talents on Australian theatre stages. His career spanned several decades, reflecting a commitment to acting both locally and internationally.

Continue Reading

Basil A. Paterson

American lawyer and politician
Born
April 27th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 88 years old

Served as the 59th Secretary of State of New York, overseeing various legal and administrative functions within the state government. Had a significant role in advocating for civil rights and public service. Involved in various legal and political initiatives aimed at improving community relations and governance. Contributed to development projects and policies during tenure in public office.

Continue Reading

Bert Williams

Footballer and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper
Born
January 31st, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent English footballer, one of the leading goalkeepers in the Football League. Williams played the majority of his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, contributing to the team's success in the 1940s and 1950s. He earned recognition for his skill and quick reflexes. His performances in goal helped secure numerous victories for the club and led to multiple selections for the national team. He became the first choice goalkeeper for England following World War II, being instrumental in the national team's campaigns during his tenure. Williams shifted to playing in the early 1960s before retiring from professional football.

Continue Reading

Vytautas Norkus

Basketball player with notable career
Born
January 28th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 93 years old

Born in Lithuania and later moving to the United States, became a prominent basketball player. Played for various teams in the 1940s and 1950s, contributing significantly to the sport. His skills on the court led to participation in several prestigious leagues, showcasing talent and athleticism. In addition to his playing career, contributed to the development of basketball within the community.

Continue Reading

Linda Griffiths

Canadian actress and playwright
Born
October 7th, 1953 71 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 61 years old

An accomplished actress and playwright, contributions to theatre span several decades. Gained recognition for performances in productions such as 'The Atreidies' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'. Work includes writing and performing original plays that address social and political issues, reflecting a commitment to storytelling and character development.

Continue Reading

K. Balachander

Indian film director and screenwriter
Born
July 9th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 84 years old

K. Balachander was an influential Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter predominantly involved in Tamil cinema. Emerging in the 1960s, he established a reputation for introducing new talents and addressing complex social issues through cinema. Balachander founded the production company Kavithalayaa Productions, which produced numerous acclaimed films. He directed landmark movies such as '24 Mani Neram' and 'Veedu'. His storytelling often focused on the lives of the marginalized and dealt with themes of love, familial ties, and societal norms. Balachander received various awards, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Continue Reading

Brian Hart

Race Car Driver and Engineer
Born
September 7th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 78 years old

Established a successful engineering company specializing in motor racing. Competed in various racing events and contributed significantly to the development of racing engines. Played a pivotal role in the British motorsport sector by providing teams with high-performance engines.

Continue Reading

Rynn Berry

Historian and author of vegetarianism
Born
January 31st, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 69 years old

An American historian and author specialized in vegetarianism and its historical context. Authored several books, including 'The Vegetarian's Guide to Eating' and 'The History of Vegetarianism and Veganism.' Led research on vegetarian practices across cultures and time periods. Engaged in public speaking and education on dietary choices and ethical eating. Served as a passionate advocate for vegetarianism and plant-based diets.

Continue Reading

Eric Hill

Author and illustrator of children's books
Born
September 7th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 87 years old

An author and illustrator focused on children's literature, primarily recognized for creating the popular series featuring Spot the dog. The first book in this series, "Where's Spot?" was published in 1980 and quickly became a classic among young readers. The interactive nature of the books encouraged children to engage with the story actively. Over the years, this series expanded, leading to numerous titles and adaptations in various formats, including animation. Additionally, contributions to children's publishing have influenced modern storytelling techniques.

Continue Reading