What Happened This Year 2018

People Who Died in 2018

Kader Khan

Indian actor and screenwriter
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2018 6 years ago — 81 years old

A prolific actor and screenwriter, this individual contributed significantly to Indian cinema from the 1970s to the 2000s. With extensive work in Hindi and Urdu films, this person featured in over 300 films and was recognized for both comedic and dramatic roles. Starting a career in theatre before transitioning to cinema, credits include notable films like 'Bhookh' and 'Kuli'. This individual also co-wrote numerous successful screenplays that defined the era of masala films.

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Mary Wilson

British poet and Spouse of PM
Born
January 12th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2021 4 years ago — 105 years old

Born in 1916, a prominent British poet, served as the spouse of a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Active in literary circles, contributed significantly to poetry throughout her life. Engaged in various charitable activities and supported cultural initiatives, fostering appreciation for literature and the arts. Her role as Baroness Wilson of Rievaulx involved advocating for education and the arts, representing the interests of the arts community in the UK.

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Maryon Pittman Allen

American politician and journalist
Born
November 30th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent journalist and politician, focused on women's rights and political reform. Served in the Alabama House of Representatives and was an influential member of the Democratic Party. Authored various articles highlighting social issues and engaged in political discourse through media. Played a role in establishing organizations that advocated for women's equality and civic involvement.

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Charles K. Kao

Physicist and engineer, Nobel laureate
Born
November 4th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 85 years old

A Chinese physicist and engineer contributed significantly to the development of fiber optics technology. His research in the 1960s laid the foundation for high-capacity telecommunications networks. Kao's innovative work demonstrated how light can be transmitted through fibers, leading to advancements in global communication systems. His groundbreaking contributions earned recognition within the scientific community and beyond, resulting in receipt of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009. This achievement highlighted the importance of fiber optics in modern telecommunication infrastructures.

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Tito Francona

Baseball player and coach with notable MLB career
Born
November 4th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1933, this individual played major league baseball primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. Debuting in 1956, played for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. During a career spanning over a decade, achieved a .272 batting average with 1,436 hits and 1,045 runs batted in. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching, serving as a coach for various MLB teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies.

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Lewis Gilbert

Film director, producer, screenwriter
Born
March 6th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 98 years old

A prominent English director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to the film industry, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Directed notable films such as the classic James Bond movies 'You Only Live Twice' and 'Moonraker'. Also directed 'Alfie', which starred Michael Caine and became a cultural touchstone of its time. His work often blended drama and humor, reflecting social themes and character development.

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Sachio Kinugasa

Baseball player, journalist, and author
Born
January 18th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 71 years old

A professional baseball player and journalist. Played for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Nippon Professional Baseball. Achieved the record for the most consecutive games played in Japanese baseball history, totaling 2,215 games. After retirement, transitioned to a career in journalism, contributing to sports commentary and analysis. Authored books and articles on baseball, sharing insights and experiences from a lengthy career in the sport.

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Pete Shelley

Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Buzzcocks
Born
April 17th, 1955 69 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 63 years old

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, became a prominent figure in the punk rock music scene during the late 1970s. Co-founded the band Buzzcocks, which emerged from the UK punk movement. The band released influential tracks such as 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)' and 'What Do I Get?'. Later pursued a solo career, achieving success with the hit single 'Homosapien' in 1981. Shelley’s songwriting often tackled themes of love and identity, making significant contributions to the punk and new wave genres. Continued to perform and release music until passing in 2018.

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Dan Gurney

Race car driver and engineer with Eagle
Born
April 13th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 87 years old

A successful race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to motorsport engineering and performance. Competed in Formula One, NASCAR, and various sports car races. Gurney founded All-American Racers and developed the Gurney Eagle car, a notable achievement in automotive design. Achieved wins in major events including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, where a Ford GT40 driven by Gurney and A.J. Foyt secured victory. Gurney introduced the concept of the victory champagne spray during the Le Mans celebration, becoming a lasting tradition in motorsport.

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