What Happened This Year 2016

People Who Died in 2016

W.D. Amaradeva

Sri Lankan musician and composer
Born
December 5th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent musician and composer from Sri Lanka, contributions included a significant body of work in traditional and contemporary music. Played a crucial role in popularizing Sinhala folk music and classical music. Received numerous accolades throughout a career spanning several decades, including national awards for artistic excellence. Contributed to the development of the Sri Lankan music scene and influenced generations of musicians and composers.

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Vladimir Zeldin

Russian actor and stage performer
Born
February 10th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 101 years old

Born in 1915, an influential actor in Russian theater and film took part in a career spanning over seven decades. The stage repertoire included numerous performances at the Moscow City Council Theater and the Satire Theatre in Moscow. This actor gained recognition for roles in classic Russian productions and also participated in the film industry, with significant contributions to film adaptations of literary works. A lifelong dedication to the craft resulted in national acclaim and a reputation as a master of performance.

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Omar Mateen

Islamic terrorist, Orlando shooter
Born
November 16th, 1986 38 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 30 years old

Born in 1986, committed the Orlando nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. The attack occurred at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, resulting in 49 deaths and numerous injuries. The event became one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. The shooter pledged allegiance to ISIS during the attack, which drew national and international attention to issues of terrorism and gun control.

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Oscar Brand

Singer-songwriter and author
Born
February 7th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 96 years old

This individual was a Canadian-American singer-songwriter and author famous for folk music. His career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1940s. Emphasizing traditional American music, this person promoted folk songs through recordings, radio broadcasts, and public performances. An extensive discography includes over 40 albums and numerous television appearances, significantly on shows like 'Oscar Brand's Folk Song Festival'. He authored multiple books that contributed to folk culture discussions and education.

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Petr Hájek

Czech mathematician and academic
Born
February 6th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to mathematical logic and has been a prominent figure in the field of mathematics education. Worked extensively on foundational studies in logic, particularly in relation to the theories of truth and formal systems. Served as a professor and led numerous academic initiatives to enhance mathematics teaching in higher education institutions. Engaged in various research projects and published several influential papers that explored critical aspects of logic and set theory.

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Kimbo Slice

Mixed martial artist and internet fighter
Born
February 8th, 1974 51 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 42 years old

Gained attention through internet street fighting videos, participated in various mixed martial arts (MMA) promotions. Achieved notable victories in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and EliteXC. Transitioned from street fighting to professional MMA and later competed in professional boxing. Appeared in the reality television series 'The Ultimate Fighter.' His fighting style blended street-fighting techniques with traditional martial arts.

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Janet Waldo

Voice actress in cartoons and anime
Born
February 4th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 96 years old

Enjoyed a long career in voice acting, contributing significantly to animated series and films. Voiced the character Judy Jetson in the classic series 'The Jetsons.' Provided voice work for numerous other cartoon characters, including parts in 'Scooby-Doo,' 'The Jetsons,' and 'The Flintstones.' Active in radio and television, engaged audiences across multiple generations.

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Christopher Zeeman

Mathematician noted for the Zeeman effect
Born
February 4th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 91 years old

A mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in topology and differential geometry. Developed the mathematical framework for the Zeeman effect, which describes the splitting of spectral lines in a magnetic field. Served as a professor at various institutions and published numerous influential papers throughout the career. Involved in mathematical education and supported research initiatives, contributing to the advancement of the discipline.

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Robert McNeill Alexander

British zoologist and biomechanist
Born
July 7th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 82 years old

Contributions to zoology and biomechanics centered on animal locomotion. Conducted extensive research on the mechanics of movement in various species, particularly vertebrates. Developed innovative techniques for analyzing how animals run, swim, and fly. Published numerous influential papers and books that have shaped understanding across multiple fields. Engaged in educating future scientists through teaching and mentorship at various institutions.

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