What Happened This Year 2017
People Who Died in 2017
John G. Avildsen
Achieved prominence as a film director, producer, and cinematographer. Directed the iconic sports drama 'Rocky', which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1977. Also directed 'The Karate Kid', a popular coming-of-age martial arts film that gained a significant following in the 1980s. Established a reputation for storytelling that combined underdog triumphs with emotional depth.
Continue ReadingJean Rouverol
An American author, actress, and screenwriter, significant contributions include work in film and literature during mid-20th century. Career began in acting, participating in plays and film. Transitioned to screenwriting, with notable works including screenplays for television and films. Worked on various projects in Hollywood, collaborating with prominent figures in the industry. Continued writing throughout life, contributing to numerous works that reflect personal and professional experiences.
Continue ReadingEdward B. Giller
Served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Major General. Participated in significant military operations and held key leadership positions during a lengthy career. Played a vital role in the strategic planning and execution of military missions. Engaged in various responsibilities which contributed to military governance and defense operations.
Continue ReadingSaloua Raouda Choucair
Born in 1916, a prominent figure in modern art, creating paintings and sculptures that reflect a blend of abstraction and cultural themes. Established a career that spanned several decades, contributing to the development of contemporary art in Lebanon and beyond. Engaged actively in art exhibitions, showcasing works that often incorporated elements of Islamic art and geometry. Played a crucial role in introducing modernist ideas in the region, influencing generations of artists. Died in 2020, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in contemporary art in the Arab world.
Continue ReadingRobert M. Pirsig
An American author and philosopher, contributed significantly to literature and philosophy. Wrote 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', which explores the concept of quality in art and life. The book became a bestseller and sparked discussions about the intersection of philosophy and everyday life. Pirsig's work is noted for its introspection and literary style, bridging technical and philosophical themes. Additionally, he wrote 'Lila: An Inquiry into Morals', which further developed his philosophical ideas.
Continue ReadingHelmut Piirimäe
Born in Estonia, an accomplished historian focused on the study of the Baltic region's history, particularly during the 20th century. Worked extensively in the academic field, contributing to various historical analyses and publications. Played a significant role in the development of historical scholarship in Estonia, advancing the understanding of Estonian heritage and identity.
Continue ReadingAhmed Kathrada
Born in 1929, a political prisoner and prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. Worked alongside notable leaders in the struggle against racial segregation in South Africa. Served as a close associate of Nelson Mandela and became a member of the African National Congress (ANC). Spent 26 years in prison, mainly on Robben Island, for his activism. After his release in 1990, continued to work in politics and advocated for social justice until retirement.
Continue ReadingAlexei Alexeyevich Abrikosov
Contributions to the field of condensed matter physics included groundbreaking work on superconductivity and quantum phenomena. The theoretical framework for the Abrikosov vortex, which describes magnetic flux lines in superconductors, has been integral to advancements in the understanding of materials in superconducting states. Held an academic position at Argonne National Laboratory and was involved in various teaching roles throughout a long career. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003, sharing the honor for contributions that elucidated the nature and behavior of superconductors and their applications in technology.
Continue ReadingMuhal Richard Abrams
A prominent figure in the world of jazz, contributed significantly to the genre as a pianist, composer, and educator. Helped in founding the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in Chicago, which played a crucial role in the development of avant-garde jazz. Released several albums, with 'Afternoon Talks' among the notable works. His innovative approach combined elements of classical and jazz, influencing many musicians in the field. Taught at various institutions, sharing knowledge about both performance and composition.
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