What Happened This Year 2022

People Who Died in 2022

Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela

Colombian drug lord, Cali Cartel leader
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2022 2 years ago — 83 years old

Co-founded the Cali Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization in Colombia during the late 20th century. Operated in the Medellín and Cali regions, facilitating cocaine distribution to the United States and other countries. Engaged in extensive money laundering and corruption to bolster operations and evade law enforcement. Captured in 1995, extradited to the United States in 2004, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. Convictions included drug conspiracy and racketeering.

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George Lamming

Bajan novelist, 'In the Castle of My Skin'
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
June 4th, 2022 2 years ago — 95 years old

A Barbadian novelist, contributed significantly to Caribbean literature. Published the acclaimed novel 'In the Castle of My Skin' in 1953, which reflected on childhood and the complexities of colonialism in Barbados. Lamming's works often explored themes of identity, race, and the post-colonial experience. He also served as an influential literary voice, engaging with various political and cultural movements throughout his career. Active in academia, Lamming held teaching positions in several institutions, further promoting Caribbean literature and culture. His literary contributions secured a lasting legacy in the realm of post-colonial literature.

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Paula Rego

Visual artist and narrative painter
Born
January 26th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
June 8th, 2022 2 years ago — 87 years old

Born in Portugal and later relocating to the United Kingdom, this visual artist gained recognition for her works that often explore themes of femininity and power. Rego studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and became a prominent figure in contemporary art. Notably, the artist utilized a unique combination of painting and drawing, frequently drawing inspiration from stories and literature. The works reflect a distinctive narrative style that merges the personal with the universal, often depicting strong female characters in various situations.

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Julee Cruise

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
December 1st, 1956 68 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2022 2 years ago — 65 years old

A singer-songwriter and musician, this individual gained prominence in the 1980s with ethereal and atmospheric music. Best recognized for the song "Falling," which served as the theme for the television series "Twin Peaks," the artist collaborated with composer Angelo Badalamenti and director David Lynch. The music style often blended dream pop and ambient genres, attracting a dedicated following. Additionally, this person contributed to various soundtracks and projects in the film and television industry, showcasing a unique vocal style. Throughout the career, performances were noted for their surreal and otherworldly quality.

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Billy Kametz

Voice actor in anime and video games
Born
1987 38 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2022 2 years ago — 35 years old

Contributed significantly to the voice acting industry, particularly in anime and video games. Gained recognition for roles in popular series such as 'My Hero Academia' and 'The Seven Deadly Sins'. Worked on various video games, including 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses' and 'Pokemon Masters'. Received acclaim for voice performances that resonated with audiences, establishing a dedicated fan base throughout his career.

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Matt Zimmerman

Canadian actor and voice performer
Born
1934 91 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2022 2 years ago — 88 years old

Started a career in voice acting, gaining recognition for contributions to the animated series 'Robotech' and 'Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures'. Voiced several characters in prominent television shows and video games throughout the career. Achieved recognition as a versatile performer in the Canadian entertainment industry.

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Phil Bennett

Race car driver, British Touring Car Champion
Born
October 6th, 1971 53 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2022 2 years ago — 50 years old

An accomplished race car driver, achieved prominence in the British Touring Car Championship. Competed with various teams throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, earning a reputation for skillful handling of vehicles on challenging circuits. Secured the British Touring Car Championship title, demonstrating consistent performance and strategic racing techniques. Raced for teams such as Renault and Volvo, showcasing versatility across different racing categories. Retired from professional racing but remains active in motorsport commentary and analysis.

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Philip Baker Hall

American actor in film and television
Born
September 10th, 1931 93 years ago
Died
June 12th, 2022 2 years ago — 90 years old

An actor with a prolific career in film and television, this individual gained recognition for roles in numerous critically acclaimed productions. Appeared in the television series 'Seinfeld' as the character Bookman. Featured prominently in films such as 'Magnolia' and 'Dogville', showcasing versatility in various genres. Contributions to theater include performances in both classic and contemporary works, establishing a solid foundation in the performing arts.

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A. B. Yehoshua

Israeli novelist and playwright
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2022 2 years ago — 86 years old

An influential Israeli novelist, essayist, and playwright contributed significantly to contemporary Hebrew literature. Notable works include 'The Lover,' which explores complex themes of love and identity, and 'A Woman in Jerusalem,' addressing issues of cultural identity and loss in a modern context. Yehoshua's writings often reflect the nuances of Israeli society and the challenges faced by its people. He participated in literary festivals and academic discussions, promoting the Hebrew language and literature. In addition to novels, Yehoshua wrote plays and essays that further established his literary reputation.

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