What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Ronald DeFeo Jr.

American criminal and mass murderer
Born
1951 74 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2021 4 years ago — 70 years old

In 1974, committed the mass murder of six members of the DeFeo family in Amityville, New York. The gruesome crime led to his arrest and subsequent conviction in 1975. The case received nationwide attention and inspired the horror film 'The Amityville Horror' and numerous books detailing the events. DeFeo served time in prison until his death in 2021.

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Murray Walker

Motorsport commentator during F1 races
Born
October 10th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2021 4 years ago — 97 years old

Engaged in motorsport commentary for several decades, building a reputation as one of the leading voices in Formula One. Worked for the BBC and ITV, providing live commentary and analysis during races. Contributed significantly to the popularization of Formula One in the UK and beyond through insightful and enthusiastic commentary. Authored a book detailing experiences in motorsport and was inducted into the British Sports Hall of Fame.

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Marvelous Marvin Hagler

Professional Boxer, Middleweight Champion
Born
May 23rd, 1954 70 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2021 4 years ago — 66 years old

Renowned as a professional boxer, achieved notable success in the middleweight division. Holds the record for the longest reign as the undisputed middleweight champion from 1980 to 1987. Fought in legendary bouts against opponents such as Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard. Retired with an impressive record, highly regarded within the boxing community.

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John Magufuli

Fifth President of Tanzania
Born
October 29th, 1959 65 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2021 3 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the fifth president of Tanzania from 2015 until death in 2021. Magufuli was a member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party and previously held the position of Minister of Works. Focused on infrastructure development and anti-corruption measures, his administration initiated various public projects, including roads and hospitals. Implemented policies aimed at reducing government spending and increasing revenue through tax collection. His leadership style received mixed reactions, characterized by a crackdown on dissent and media freedom.

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Glynn Lunney

American engineer for NASA missions
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
March 19th, 2021 3 years ago — 85 years old

An engineer played a key role in the Apollo space program and later contributed to the Space Shuttle program at NASA. Significant responsibilities included serving as a flight director during critical missions, including Apollo 10, which served as a prelude to the first Moon landing. Lunney's expertise and leadership were instrumental in managing flight operations and ensuring mission success. He also worked on the development of the Space Shuttle and oversaw its missions, emphasizing safety and reliability.

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Nawal El Saadawi

Egyptian feminist writer and activist
Born
October 27th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2021 3 years ago — 89 years old

An Egyptian secularist and feminist, dedicated decades to advocating for women's rights and social justice. Authored multiple influential books including 'Woman at Point Zero', which addresses the struggles faced by women in patriarchal societies. Founded the Arab Women's Solidarity Association and served in various capacities within organizations focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. Experiencing periods of imprisonment and exile due to political activism, continued to inspire future generations through writings and lectures until passing in 2021.

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George Segal

American actor in film and television
Born
February 13th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 2021 3 years ago — 87 years old

An American actor gained recognition through performances in films during the 1960s and 1970s. Segal starred in notable movies such as 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' and 'Deathtrap', showcasing a range that included both drama and comedy. He portrayed characters with nuance and depth, earning critical acclaim throughout his career. Additionally, Segal gained popularity for his role in the television series 'Just Shoot Me!', which further solidified his status in the entertainment industry. Segal's contributions spanned decades, making him a memorable figure in film and television.

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Jessica Walter

American actress, starring in Arrested Development
Born
January 31st, 1941 84 years ago
Died
March 24th, 2021 3 years ago — 80 years old

An accomplished American actress, extensive career spanned several decades across television and film. Gained prominence through notable performances in various productions. Portrayed Lucille Bluth in the critically acclaimed series 'Arrested Development'. Also lent voice to Malory Archer in the animated television series 'Archer'. Career included significant roles in films such as 'Play Misty for Me' and 'Grand Prix'.

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Beverly Cleary

American author of children's literature
Born
April 12th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
March 25th, 2021 3 years ago — 104 years old

An American author specialized in children's literature. Cleary created beloved characters such as Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Beezus, capturing the experiences of childhood in her stories. The works often drew from personal experiences growing up in Oregon, emphasizing the everyday adventures and challenges faced by children. Cleary's books received critical acclaim and numerous awards, making significant contributions to children’s literature. Many of her stories were adapted into television series and feature films, further extending their reach and influence.

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