What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Allan H. Meltzer

American economist and academic author
Born
February 6th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 89 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of economics through numerous works and theories. Served as a professor of economics at Carnegie Mellon University. Played a pivotal role in the development of monetarism and was a member of the Council of Economic Advisers. Authored the comprehensive history of the Federal Reserve, detailing its evolution and impact on the economy. Participated in various national and international economic policy discussions.

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Ricardo Vidal

Filipino cardinal and church leader
Born
February 6th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 86 years old

Became a prominent figure within the Roman Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Cebu from 1981 to 2011. Played a significant role in the Second Philippine Revolution in 1986, supporting the People Power movement. Contributed to various ecclesiastical roles including participation in multiple synods and the 1994 papal conclave. Was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 1985, participating in several global church issues and promoting religious dialogue.

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Lotfi Zadeh

Mathematician and computer scientist, fuzzy logic founder
Born
February 4th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 96 years old

An Iranian-American mathematician and computer scientist contributed to mathematics and computer science, particularly in the development of fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic introduced a new dimension to classical logic, allowing for reasoning with uncertainty and imprecision. This work laid the foundation for various applications in control systems, artificial intelligence, and decision-making processes. Zadeh's impact extended into multiple industries, including engineering and computer science, reshaping how systems analyze and interpret data.

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Gordon Downie

Canadian singer-songwriter and musician
Born
February 6th, 1964 62 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor, this individual gained recognition as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Tragically Hip. The band became a staple in Canadian music, celebrated for its poetic lyrics and distinctive sound. They released several acclaimed albums, with some reaching multi-platinum sales. The concerts often featured a deep connection with fans, especially during farewell performances that drew widespread media attention. In addition to music, this individual vented personal experiences through solo projects and was involved in acting, appearing in various film and television roles. Advocacy for Indigenous rights and cancer awareness were also part of this individual’s legacy.

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Liz Smith

American journalist and author
Born
February 2nd, 1923 103 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent journalist and author, this individual gained recognition through work as a columnist. Contributions included celebrity gossip and commentary, providing insights into the lives of public figures. The writing style was characterized by a conversational tone that resonated with readers. Published various books that compiled columns and offered personal perspectives on Hollywood and culture. Maintained a long-running column in the New York Post, drawing a substantial readership throughout the decades.

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Greg Antonacci

Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Born
February 2nd, 1947 79 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 70 years old

Greg Antonacci worked extensively in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. Notable contributions include work on the acclaimed series 'The Sopranos,' where he held the position of director and producer. He also directed episodes of 'The Bronx Is Burning' and 'The Violent Land.' In addition to television, Antonacci produced features and worked in various capacities across film and stage productions throughout his career.

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Anne Jeffreys

American actress and singer in television
Born
January 26th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 94 years old

An actress and singer, this individual gained recognition for performances in the television series 'Topper' and 'General Hospital'. Debuted in film in the 1940s, showcasing talents in musicals and comedies. Fostered a long career in entertainment, appearing in movies like 'The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer' and various television shows. Continued to perform on stage and screen well into later years, maintaining a presence in the industry.

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Richard Schickel

American journalist and film critic
Born
February 10th, 1933 93 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 84 years old

Worked as a journalist, author, and film critic throughout a lengthy career. Wrote extensively about cinema and critiqued numerous films. Contributed to publications like Time magazine and published over 30 books focusing on film analysis and criticism. Directed several documentary films as well, further showcasing cinematic topics and figures. Received recognition from various film organizations and contributed to scholarly discussions about film history.

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Vito Acconci

Designer and installation artist
Born
January 24th, 1940 86 years ago
Died
2017 9 years ago — 77 years old

Acconci was an influential American designer and installation artist. Initially recognized for experimental poetry, he transitioned to visual art and design, producing groundbreaking work in performance art and architecture. Acconci's notable works include the installation 'People's Park' and the architectural design of the Acconci Studio, where he explored the interaction between space and human behavior. His works often challenged conventional perceptions of art and space, integrating elements of performance, architecture, and urban design.

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