What Happened This Year 2019

People Who Died in 2019

Achille Silvestrini

Italian prelate and church leader
Born
October 25th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1923, a significant figure in the Roman Catholic Church. Ordained as a priest in 1946, served in various diplomatic roles within the Vatican. Held the position of Secretary for Relations with States, dealing with international affairs and church diplomacy. Appointed Cardinal in 1991. Advocated for church reforms and played a role in the Second Vatican Council, influencing modern Catholic doctrine and practices.

Continue Reading

Peter Nichols

English author and playwright
Born
July 31st, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 92 years old

An English author and playwright, contributed to contemporary theatre through a blend of humor and poignant storytelling. Frequently explored themes of relationships, identity, and the human condition. Works have been staged in various theatres, gaining recognition for their engaging narratives. Significant contributions include works in both original plays and adaptations, showcasing a keen understanding of character development and dialogue.

Continue Reading

Bob Van der Veken

Belgian actor, best known for roles in TV
Born
September 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 91 years old

Started a career in the mid-20th century, featuring in various Belgian television series and films. Achieved popularity with significant performances in shows that captivated local audiences. Notable for contributions to the Belgian television industry during a transformative period in media.

Continue Reading

Barry Hughes

Welsh football manager and player
Born
December 31st, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 82 years old

A footballer and manager, played as a winger and had a career that spanned several clubs. Transitioned into management, leading various teams in the Welsh and English leagues. Achieved notable success at clubs such as Wrexham, where he guided the team to promotion and other competitive finishes. Developed a reputation for improving team performance and player development throughout managerial career.

Continue Reading

Mariss Jansons

Conductor with acclaimed orchestras
Born
January 14th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 76 years old

A Latvian conductor, renowned for leading prestigious orchestras including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. His artistry in conducting brought significant acclaim, especially in performances of symphonic repertoire. A notable collaboration involved the recording of Mahler's symphonies, which received widespread recognition. Jansons' work spanned multiple continents, showcasing significant versatility and depth in classical music.

Continue Reading

W. S. Merwin

Poet and translator with many awards
Born
September 30th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent poet and translator, this individual contributed significantly to American literature through poetry that reflects deep insight into nature and human experience. With a career spanning decades, this figure published numerous poetry collections, including 'The Carrier of Ladders' and 'The Moon Before Morning', which garnered critical acclaim. Additionally, extensive work as a translator brought to English the works of major contemporary poets from various languages, enriching the poetic landscape. Recognized for literary excellence, this individual received multiple awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1971.

Continue Reading

Greedy Smith

Singer-songwriter and keyboardist for Mental As Anything
Born
January 16th, 1956 69 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 63 years old

A musician and songwriter from Australia, contributed significantly to the rock and pop music scene. Co-founded the band Mental As Anything in 1976, which became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. The group was known for its catchy tunes and energetic performances. Alongside playing the keyboard and providing vocals, crafted several songs that achieved commercial success. The band was a prominent part of Australia’s music scene, especially noted for the hit 'Live It Up'. Greedy Smith's contributions to music extended beyond performing, as involvement in songwriting played a crucial role in the band’s distinctive sound.

Continue Reading

Arte Johnson

American actor and comedian, Laugh-In star
Born
January 20th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 90 years old

This individual gained prominence as an actor and comedian primarily through the television series 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In'. Frequent sketches featured humorous characters and clever wordplay, contributing significantly to the show's popularity during the late 1960s. The unique style of comedy introduced was characterized by quick, witty dialogue and absurdist humor. In addition to television, a successful career in film included appearances in several movies. Recognized for outstanding performances, this individual received an Emmy Award for work on television, further solidifying a legacy in American comedy.

Continue Reading

Alexandra Strelchenko

Ukrainian actress and singer
Born
February 2nd, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Ukraine, a career spanned several decades in film and music, particularly during the mid-20th century. Developed a strong reputation within the Ukrainian cultural scene, performing in various theatrical productions and television shows. Achieved notable success in the Soviet film industry, participating in several acclaimed projects. Also contributed to the music landscape in Ukraine, showcasing vocal talent in a range of genres.

Continue Reading