THOSE WE LOST IN 2022

 

When looking over several lists from different sources of those we lost in 2022, I was overwhelmed by the number of people listed. They included the world setting of politics, religion, science, and all facets of the entertainment industry. Rather than trying to list all or even most of them, I selected 14 individuals as a representative cross section presented here in alphabetical order.

Madeleine Albright, 84 years old. First woman to hold the position of Secretary of State of the United States of America and after that a prominent figure on the world stage of politics.

Gallager, 76 years old. Watermelon smashing comic.

Mikhail Gorbachev, 91 years old. The last premier to head the Soviet Union. He was responsible for many reforms that led to an openness resulting in the Soviet Union breaking up into the individual countries. Responsible for helping to end the Cold War era.

Angela Lansbury, 96 years old. Actress who achieved award winning status in all facets of the entertainment industry—movies, television, stage, music. Probably best known for her television series, Murder, She Wrote.

Jerry Lee Lewis, 87 years old. One of the first inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, a pioneering performer who helped to usher in the rock and roll era.

Loretta Lynn, 90 years old. Superstar in country music

Christine McVie, 79 years old. Iconic performer with pioneering rock group Fleetwood Mac.

Olivia Newton-John, 75 years old. Australian singer and actress who appeared in many films, her most famous probably Grease co-starring with John Travolta.

Pele, 82 years old. Brazilian soccer star with phenomenal career.

Sidney Poitier, 94 years old. The first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor [Hattie McDaniel was the first African American performer to win an Academy Award in 1939 as Best Supporting Actress for Gone With The Wind]. Among Poitier's many awards over his career include the Medal Of Freedom presented to him by President Obama.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 95 years old. He stepped down as Pope in 2013 due to failing health. This is the first time in many centuries that a Pope's funeral has been presided over by the current sitting Pope.

Queen Elizabeth II, 96 years old. Longest reigning monarch in British History with 70 years on the throne.

Vin Scully, 94 years old. Sportscaster who was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team for over 6 decades.

Barbara Walters, 93 years old. Prominent in television news, the first woman to anchor an evening network television newscast. Creator and long time host of The View.

I know there are many, many more who deserve to be on this list. I had a very difficult time cutting it down to just these 14.