Really Interesting People from the UK
MICHAEL BURNS, aged 87
A pioneering cameraman who worked on iconic television programmes before becoming an independent film maker. He was also a historian specialising in cricket..
NORMAN PILCHER, aged 85
Part of the Drug Squad of the Metropolitan Police in the Swinging Sixties, he set out to arrest celebrities, but he was extremely corrupt and ended up in prison himself.
MARY LEE, aged 101
After winning a talent show she became a child star of the 1930s, singing in dance bands. Later on she became a comedian and musician – part of a double act.
DENNIS BRYDEN, aged 97
A pilot in the RAF, he was shot down over Europe and sent to Stalg Luft 3. There, he eventually became part of the forced Long March in the winter of 1944.
Really Interesting People from Europe
MADELEINE RIFFAUD, aged 100
A French resistance fighter who was tortured by the Gestapo, she played a key role in the liberation. She later served as a journalist in various war zones.
GRETA ANDERSEN, aged 95
A swimmer she won a gold medal at the Olympic Games but the nearly drowned. She then became an endurance swimmer holding many records that stand to this day.
KIKI HAKANSSON, aged 95
A model who won the first Miss World, facing the wrath of the Pope. She inadvertently caused a celebrity marriage and was an advocate for women’s rights.
JOACHIM AUERBACH, aged 93
Fleeing the Nazis as a child, he made a life in Britain, but always worked to help other people in a similar situation to his younger self.
Really Interesting People from the World
CHABELO, aged 88
A Mexican clown who dressed as a child and acted the fool, he captivated audiences throughout the whole of Latin America for a record number of years.
ROSE GIRONE, aged 113
A victim of the Nazis she was a refugee in China and the USA, eventually setting up her own business in knitwear. She was the oldest Holocaust survivor.
BETTE NASH, aged 88
Originally a legal secretary she became an air stewardess – and went on to break the record as the longest serving flight attendant in the world.
JUDY HASHMAN, aged 88
A superb all-round sportswoman she represented the USA in many sports but excelled at badminton. She became badminton’s greatest female player of all time.
