What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Harry Reid

American politician and senator
Born
December 2nd, 1939 85 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2021 3 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a U.S. Senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017. Held the position of Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015. Managed significant legislative initiatives and played a critical role in healthcare reform and energy policy. Prior to the Senate, served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada from 1971 to 1975 and was a member of the Nevada Assembly. Focused on issues pertinent to the state and national interests throughout Congressional career.

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Betty White

Actress and television personality
Born
January 17th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 31st, 2021 3 years ago — 99 years old

An American actress, game show panelist, and television personality, played significant roles in television history. Best known for appearances on 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. Her career spanned decades, with work in various formats including sitcoms, documentaries, and game shows. In addition to entertainment, engaged in animal rights activism, advocating for animal welfare causes throughout life.

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Jacques Tits

Mathematician known for group theory
Born
August 12th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 91 years old

An influential mathematician worked primarily in the areas of algebra and geometry. Developed Tits buildings and contributed to group theory, establishing connections between mathematical structures. Published numerous papers and remains a pivotal figure in the mathematical community. Held academic positions at various institutions and served as a professor at the Collège de France.

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Christa Stubnick

German sprinter, Olympic competitor
Born
December 12th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 88 years old

Competitor in sprinting events during the 1950s and 1960s. Participated in the 1960 Rome Olympics, achieving notable rankings in sprinting disciplines. Achieved success in various national championships and contributed to the development of women's sprinting in Germany.

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Ray Illingworth

Cricketer and sportscaster
Born
June 8th, 1932 92 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 89 years old

Played as a talented all-rounder in cricket, representing England and Yorkshire. Achieved notable success as captain of the England national team, leading them to a series victory in the 1970/71 Ashes series in Australia. Transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting, providing insights and commentary on cricket. Contributed significantly to the game through various administrative roles.

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Suzanne Zimmerman

Competition swimmer and Olympic medalist
Born
July 13th, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 96 years old

Born in July 1925, this American swimmer specialized in freestyle and backstroke events. Achievements included competing in the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London, where a silver medal was earned in the 100m freestyle. She also participated in the 4x100m freestyle relay, contributing to the team's overall performance. Swimming at the national level prior to the Olympics, strong finishes secured a place in the competitive swimming landscape.

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Doug Mountjoy

Welsh Snooker Player, World Champion
Born
June 8th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent snooker player from Wales, achieved significant success during the 1970s and 1980s. Won the World Snooker Championship in 1981, marking a peak in competitive play. Competed in various tournaments throughout the career, consistently ranking among the top players in the world. Also secured victories in other prestigious events, contributing to the growth of the sport.

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Larry McMurtry

Novelist and Oscar-winning screenwriter
Born
June 3rd, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent American novelist and screenwriter, this individual wrote notable works that often explored the American West. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Lonesome Dove' gained significant acclaim and was later adapted into a television miniseries. In addition to writing novels, contributions to screenwriting include 'Terms of Endearment,' which won an Academy Award. Many works reflect themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of American life, resonating with audiences both in literary and cinematic forms.

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Kurt Westergaard

Cartoonist, creator of Muhammad cartoons
Born
July 13th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 86 years old

A cartoonist created a series of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad published in 2005, which sparked international controversy and protests. The cartoons were part of a larger commentary on freedom of expression and artistic license. Throughout the career, focused on political cartoons within Danish media. Faced threats due to the response from various groups regarding the cartoons, leading to personal security challenges and relocation. Continued to advocate for freedom of speech until passing.

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