What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Edward Cassidy

Roman Catholic Cardinal Priest
Born
July 5th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 97 years old

Ordained as a priest in 1950, a prominent figure in the Australian Roman Catholic Church. Served as an auxiliary bishop in Sydney before becoming the Archbishop of Hobart. Contributed to various Vatican congregations and played a significant role in international Church relations. Elevated to the cardinalate in 2001, he represented Australia at several key ecclesiastical events, including the Synod of Bishops. Engaged in interfaith dialogue and was involved in the preparation for the World Youth Day events.

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Felix Silla

Character actor and stuntman in film and TV
Born
January 11th, 1937 89 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Italy, a prominent character actor, circus performer, voice artist, and stuntman contributed to numerous television shows and films over several decades. Gained recognition for the role of 'Cousin It' in the television series The Addams Family and featured in the film Spaceballs as the character 'The Droid'. His career spanned various genres, providing both comedic and dramatic performances while also performing stunts in multiple productions.

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Graham Vick

Theatre director of acclaimed opera productions
Born
December 30th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent theatre director, focused primarily on opera. Founded the Birmingham Opera Company in 1987, which became known for innovative productions. Directed various operas worldwide, including works by composers such as Verdi, Mozart, and Stravinsky. Recognized for a unique approach to staging and for collaborating with leading international artists. Received several awards for contributions to the field of opera and theatre.

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Fiona Caldicott

Psychiatrist and psychotherapist
Born
January 12th, 1941 85 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 80 years old

Became a prominent figure in psychiatry and psychotherapy, focusing on mental health ethics and the use of personal health information. Played a key role in the development of privacy safeguarding in the NHS and contributed significantly to the field of medical ethics. Served as the first National Director for Health Informatics at NHS England and has also been involved in various educational and advisory roles relating to mental health practices.

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Gordon McVie

Oncologist and cancer researcher
Born
January 13th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 76 years old

A prominent oncologist and author, contributed significantly to cancer research and treatment. Served as the director of The Cancer Research Campaign. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of cancer networks in the UK, focusing on improving patient outcomes. Actively participated in cancer conferences and contributed to numerous publications in the field of oncology.

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Julio Miranda

Argentine politician and public servant
Born
October 17th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1946, served as a prominent figure in Argentine politics. Held various significant political positions throughout a lengthy career. Engaged in legislative processes while representing interests of constituents. Played a critical role in shaping local and national policies. Embarked on initiatives aimed at economic improvement and social welfare during tenure in office. Contributed to political discourse and development within the country.

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Ruth Ann Minner

Politician, 72nd Governor of Delaware
Born
January 17th, 1935 91 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 72nd Governor of Delaware from 2001 to 2009. Worked in various roles in state government, including as Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. Prior to the governorship, held positions in the Delaware House of Representatives and as a state senator. Advocated for health care reforms and economic development initiatives during tenure as governor.

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Chuck Close

Painter and photographer specializing in realism
Born
July 5th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 81 years old

An American painter and photographer, this individual gained recognition for large-scale, photo-based portraits. The work often featured a grid technique, allowing for meticulous detail and realism. Suffered a spinal artery collapse in 1988, resulting in paralysis, which led to the use of innovative methods to create art. Continued to produce significant works despite physical limitations, showing resilience and creativity in artistic expression.

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Carman

Singer-songwriter known for 'The Champion'
Born
January 19th, 1956 70 years ago
Died
2021 5 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent figure in the Christian music genre, this singer-songwriter gained significant popularity throughout the 1990s. Besides music, involvement in television included hosting shows that spotlighted Christian content. The artistry effectively combined contemporary sound with spiritual messages, leading to a dedicated fanbase. Additionally, contributions in acting were noted through appearances in various Christian-themed productions. Numerous albums were released, many achieving notable sales and accolades.

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