Arthur Lake
American actor of Blondie films

Born
April 17th, 1905
120 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1987
38 years ago — 81 years old
Category
Performers & Entertainers
Country
United States
Links & References
An American actor became widely recognized for portraying Dagwood Bumstead in the 'Blondie' film series from the late 1930s to the 1950s. Lake appeared in 28 films based on the popular comic strip created by Chic Young. His portrayal of the bumbling, sandwich-loving husband captured the essence of the character and contributed to the series' success, making it popular among audiences. Apart from the 'Blondie' films, he also featured in radio and television adaptations of the comic strip, further solidifying his association with the role. Lake's career spanned several decades, during which he interacted with many notable figures in the industry.
Portrayed Dagwood Bumstead in Blondie films
Appeared in 28 Blondie films from 1938 to 1950
Other People Born on April 17th
Donald Richie
An American-Japanese author and film critic, contributed significantly to the understanding of Japanese culture and cinema. Spent much time in Japan, where works reflected deep engagement with the country's film industry. Wrote extensively about Japanese cinema, providing insights that shaped Western appreciation of the medium. Authored several influential books including 'A Hundred Years of Japanese Film', which explored the history and evolution of Japanese filmmaking. His film criticism appeared in various publications and he became a prominent voice in cinematic discourse.
Continue ReadingJohn McColl
Served as a general in the British Army, with a significant focus on military leadership and operations. Held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, where administrative and ceremonial duties were performed. Played a key role in fostering relations between the military and local government during the tenure.
Continue ReadingHervé Bazin
An influential French author and poet, published numerous novels and essays throughout the 20th century. Most recognized work, 'Vipère au poing', presented a semiautobiographical narrative of a troubled childhood. Explored themes of family dynamics, personal struggle, and social issues in a variety of literary forms. Contributed to literary criticism and discussions in the French literary circles. Active in literary movements and received accolades for his contributions to French literature, notably the Grand Prix du roman de l'Academie francaise.
Continue ReadingChavela Vargas
Born in Costa Rica, this artist became a significant figure in the Mexican music scene, blending traditional ranchera with evocative expression. Gained popularity during the mid-20th century, performing in bars and events across Mexico. Achieved acclaim for a distinctive style that transcended gender norms, captivating audiences with emotional renditions and powerful performances. Collaborated with various artists and appeared in films, including 'Frida', which introduced her to international audiences. Her music, deeply rooted in personal experiences and cultural identity, resonated with many, and she became an iconic voice in Latin American music.
Continue ReadingNick Hornby
Born in 1957, this English novelist, essayist, lyricist, and screenwriter gained recognition for works exploring themes of music, relationships, and adolescent experiences. The debut novel, "Fever Pitch," detailed a passionate obsession with football, blending autobiography and sports commentary. Subsequent novels, including "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy," garnered critical acclaim and were adapted into successful films, further establishing a career in screenwriting. Contributions to music journalism and various essays displayed an ongoing engagement with popular culture. The collaboration with musician Ben Folds resulted in a musical adaptation of "High Fidelity."
Continue ReadingSirimavo Bandaranaike
Served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and became the world's first female head of government. Her tenure focused on social reform, economic development, and establishing non-alignment in foreign policy. Bandaranaike first took office in 1960 and served three terms, contributing significantly to the political landscape of Sri Lanka. Her government implemented policies aimed at promoting education and health care. During her leadership, she was involved in various international conferences, advocating for the rights of developing nations.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 9th
Josep Maria Castellet
A prominent figure in Spanish literature, specialized in poetry and literary criticism. Contributed significantly to contemporary Catalan culture and literature. Authored several poetry collections and critical essays, emphasizing the importance of language and identity. Served as an influential editor, fostering the work of emerging writers. Participated in cultural and literary movements, focusing on the Catalan language and its preservation.
Continue ReadingMichel Jeury
An influential science fiction author, known for contributions to the genre through imaginative narratives and complex themes. Worked extensively in speculative fiction, exploring philosophical ideas and futuristic concepts. Notable works include the 'Le Temps Incertain' series and 'Génération du Sourire', which garnered attention for their originality and depth. Received multiple awards for literary achievements throughout a prolific career, cementing a significant presence in French literature.
Continue ReadingHouston Stewart Chamberlain
Houston Stewart Chamberlain was an English-German philosopher and author primarily engaged in discussions related to race and culture in the context of European identity. Residing in Germany for much of his life, he contributed to the development of ideas that would later influence nationalist movements. His most significant work, 'The Foundations of the Nineteenth Century', published in 1899, explored the influence of race on historical and cultural development, emphasizing a view of history that prioritized the Aryan race. This work established him as a prominent figure in the realm of racial theory and philosophy, particularly among nationalist circles in Germany during the early 20th century. Chamberlain's writings articulated a vision of a racially defined culture, which resonated with contemporaries and has been the subject of considerable analysis in historical studies.
Continue ReadingThomas Birch
An English historian and author, contributed significantly to historical documentation and literature in the 18th century. Focused on compiling and editing important historical texts. Published works included various biographies and historical accounts, which became crucial references for scholars. Engaged in efforts to document and preserve the history of England and its notable figures.
Continue ReadingDemetrios Chalkokondyles
Played a significant role in the revival of classical Greek literature and philosophy during the Renaissance. Chalkokondyles contributed to the education of several notable students and was instrumental in the dissemination of Greek texts. He established a school in Venice, focusing on the study of ancient Greek and Latin. His scholarly contributions helped bridge the gap between classical antiquity and the humanist thought of the time.
Continue ReadingEdvard Rusjan
A pioneering figure in aviation, contributed to the early development of aircraft technology. Designed and built one of the first powered flying machines in Slovenia. Demonstrated innovative engineering skills in aircraft construction. Regarded as a significant contributor to the field of aviation in the early 20th century.
Continue Reading