What Happened This Year 2018

People Who Died in 2018

Wally Moon

Baseball player and coach, All-Star
Born
April 3rd, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 88 years old

This individual played professional baseball as an outfielder and first baseman. Debuting in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals, he had a successful career which included participation in three World Series. Recognized for exceptional hitting ability and consistency, this player earned an All-Star selection in 1959 and contributed to the Cardinals' 1964 World Series title. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching, imparting knowledge to younger athletes in various capacities.

Continue Reading

Lester James Peries

Sri Lankan film director and producer
Born
April 5th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 99 years old

A prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, this director, screenwriter, and producer made significant contributions to the film industry. He directed over 20 feature films, many of which received national and international acclaim. One landmark work, 'Mahagedara', showcased the complexities of rural life and is celebrated for its artistic achievements. His work often combined traditional Sri Lankan themes with innovative cinematic techniques, influencing generations of filmmakers in the region.

Continue Reading

Teresa Gisbert Carbonell

Bolivian architect and art historian
Born
November 30th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 92 years old

Born in Bolivia, contributed significantly to the fields of architecture and art history. Played a crucial role in the preservation of heritage sites and the promotion of Bolivian art. Served as a professor at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in La Paz. Authored several influential texts on architecture, including analyses of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern architecture in Bolivia.

Continue Reading

Leila Abashidze

Georgian actress in film and theater
Born
August 1st, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 89 years old

Born in Georgia, an actress gained recognition for work in theatre and cinema. Early career included performances in prominent Georgian theatrical productions. Achieved fame with roles in films during the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in 'The Wishing Tree' and 'The Legend of the White Stallion'. Contributed to the cultural landscape of Georgian performing arts through numerous performances. Directed and nurtured younger talent in the acting community, leaving a legacy within the theatre world.

Continue Reading

Karunanidhi

Indian politician and screenwriter
Born
June 3rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent Indian politician and influential screenwriter, served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for five terms. Contributed significantly to Tamil cinema through screenwriting, with works that shaped the industry. Played a key role in the Dravidian movement, advocating for social justice and cultural identity in Tamil Nadu. Involved in politics from a young age, founded the political party DMK and was instrumental in implementing various social welfare programs during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Tim O'Connor

American actor in 'Peyton Place'
Born
July 3rd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 91 years old

A notable American actor, recognized for work in television and film. Gained prominence with a role in the soap opera 'Peyton Place', which aired from 1964 to 1969. Contributed to various other television series, including 'The Mod Squad' and 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. Appeared in films such as 'The Graduate'. O'Connor supported the entertainment industry through his consistent performances over several decades.

Continue Reading

Jassem Alwan

Syrian Army Officer
Born
July 4th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 90 years old

Served as a high-ranking officer in the Syrian Army. Played a significant role during the early years of the Syrian Arab Republic and was involved in major military operations and political developments within the country. Contributed to military strategy and leadership during critical periods of conflict. His career included engagements that shaped the military landscape of Syria.

Continue Reading

László Tábori

Hungarian runner and Olympic coach
Born
July 6th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 87 years old

An accomplished middle-distance runner and coach specializing in the 1500 meters, contributed significantly to long-distance running in Hungary. Competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, finishing fourth in the 1500 meters. After retiring as an athlete, transitioned into coaching, guiding numerous athletes to national and international success. Helped develop training methodologies that enhanced performance for upcoming generations of runners.

Continue Reading

Glenn Branca

Guitarist and composer of avant-garde music
Born
October 6th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 70 years old

An influential guitarist and composer made significant contributions to avant-garde music and minimalist composition. Branca's work focused on experimental guitar tunings and unconventional performance techniques. He established the iconic group The Glenn Branca Ensemble, which helped shape the sound of New York's experimental music scene. Branca’s most acclaimed composition, ‘The Ascension’, is noted for its innovative use of guitar orchestration and remains a key work in the contemporary classical landscape.

Continue Reading