A Russian who shared the 2000 physics prize with Americans after they had engaged in a Cold War “laser race.” The work led to DVDs and cellphones.
Tag: Deaths (Obituaries)
Marella Agnelli, Society’s ‘Last Swan’ and a Passionate Gardener, Is Dead at 91
Mrs. Agnelli, descended from Neapolitan nobility and married into the Fiat empire, became a subject of high society fascination.
Bruno Ganz, Who Played an Angel and Hitler, Is Dead at 77
“Wings of Desire” and “Downfall” were among the highlights of Mr. Ganz’s long film career, which he spent mostly in Europe.
Kim Bok-dong, Wartime Sex Slave Who Sought Reparations for Koreans, Dies at 92
Ms. Kim, one of the thousands of women forced to work in Japanese brothels during World War II, was among the first to break decades of silence about their ordeal.
Diana Athill Dies at 101; Wrote Cleareyed Memoirs of Love and Sex
The English author, whose critically lauded autobiographies chronicled her romantic and sexual liaisons, attained literary celebrity in her 90s.
Henry Sy, 94, Dies; Philippines’ Richest Man and a Shopping Mall Tycoon
Mr. Sy, who started out selling surplus boots in Manila after World War II, has been called the “father of modern Philippine retail.”
Jakiw Palij, Former Nazi Guard Deported After Decades in U.S., Dies at 95
Mr. Palij had lived for decades in Queens. Although ordered deported in 2004, no country agreed to take him for 14 years.
Harold Brown, Defense Secretary in Carter Administration, Dies at 91
The first scientist to become defense secretary, Mr. Brown brought technical knowledge and a background in weapons research.
Ringo Lam, Director of Hong Kong Classic ‘City on Fire,’ Dies at 63
He achieved renown with a string of crime dramas, including a 1987 thriller that influenced Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs.”
Geoffrey Langlands, Lauded British Educator in Pakistan, Dies at 101
A British officer who stayed for six decades after his service ended, Mr. Langlands, known as “the Major,” taught at least two future prime ministers.