What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Håkon Brusveen

Cross-country skier with Olympic medal
Born
July 15th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 94 years old

Competed in cross-country skiing during the mid-20th century. Achieved significant success at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, winning a bronze medal in the 4x10 km relay event. Participated in several national championships and contributed to the sport in Norway through competitive efforts and sportsmanship. Continued to engage in cross-country skiing activities beyond competitive events, encouraging younger athletes in the sport.

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Ralph Backstrom

Ice hockey player and coach, Stanley Cup Champion
Born
September 18th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 84 years old

Played professional ice hockey primarily with the Montreal Canadiens. Contributed to multiple Stanley Cup victories during the 1960s. Transitioned to a coaching career after retiring as a player. Coached various teams in the Western Hockey League and American Hockey League. Served as a coach at the collegiate level, promoting the sport in the educational system. Recognized for contributions both as a player and coach.

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Richard R. Ernst

Nobel Prize-winning Swiss chemist
Born
August 14th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 88 years old

A Swiss chemist and academic contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in the development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Played a pivotal role in transforming NMR into a powerful analytical tool, enabling advancements in various scientific fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science. In 1991, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for contributions that laid the groundwork for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medicine. Held a distinguished academic career, serving as a professor at ETH Zurich and engaging in extensive research that influenced both academic study and practical applications of NMR technology.

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Johnny Peirson

Canadian hockey player and team captain
Born
July 21st, 1925 99 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1925, played professional ice hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily for the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. Peirson was celebrated for his role as a center, contributing to the team dynamics and scoring capabilities. Known for leadership qualities, served as captain for the Bruins during the 1957-58 season. After retirement from playing, Peirson transitioned into coaching and managing, influencing the next generation of players in various capacities.

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Doris Johnson

American politician and public servant
Born
June 23rd, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 98 years old

Born in 1923, this individual served as a prominent figure in the American political landscape. Engaged in local government and community services, this politician held various leadership roles, championing policies that influenced the political fabric of her region. Active in advocating for women's rights, education reform, and social services, significant contributions were made to improve the quality of life for constituents. The career spanned decades of public service, leading to a respected legacy within her community.

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Lina Wertmüller

Italian director of 7 Beauties
Born
August 14th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 93 years old

An Italian director and screenwriter, she became prominent in the 1970s, creating films that highlighted social issues and human struggles. Her work often combined satire with poignant themes. She gained international acclaim for directing 'Seven Beauties,' which received multiple Academy Award nominations. She broke ground in the film industry as one of the first women to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Director. Other notable works include 'The Seduction of Mimi' and 'Pasqualino Settebellezze.' Her film style is characterized by bold visual storytelling and strong characterizations.

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John Erman

American actor and director known for TV
Born
August 3rd, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 86 years old

An actor, director, and producer with a career spanning several decades, primarily recognized for contributions to television. Directed episodes of the iconic series 'The Twilight Zone' and produced the acclaimed TV movie 'The Last Angry Man.' Worked on numerous projects across various networks, showcasing a range of genres. Directed many episodes of notable series including 'The Betty White Show' and 'The Penguin's Christmas Special.'

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B. B. Dickerson

Bass player for War with 'Low Rider'
Born
August 3rd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent bass player and songwriter, contributed significantly to the band War. The band gained recognition for its fusion of rock, funk, jazz, and Latin music. Played a crucial role in the creation of popular songs that resonated with audiences during the 1970s. The track 'Low Rider' became one of the standout hits, showcasing the blend of genres that characterized the band's sound. Throughout the music career, collaborations with other artists and influence on the genre were evident, solidifying a legacy in the music industry.

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Buddy Merrill

American guitarist and television performer
Born
July 16th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 85 years old

A guitarist gained fame as a performer on television, particularly through appearances on 'The Lawrence Welk Show'. His guitar skills included both classical and popular styles, showcasing versatility. Contributions to the music industry included recordings in various genres and collaborations with notable musicians.

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