What Happened This Year 1894

Born in 1894

Brooks Atkinson

Theatre critic and columnist
Born
November 28th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1984 41 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent American theatre critic, served as the chief drama critic for The New York Times from 1925 to 1960. Played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Broadway theatre through insightful reviews. Contributed to arts criticism and literature with various essays and articles, influencing trends in theatrical productions. Authored 'Broadway' in 1949, detailing the evolution of American theatre. Engaged with numerous playwrights and actors, fostering dialogue about the theatrical arts.

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Henry Hazlitt

Economist and author of 'Economics in One Lesson'
Born
November 28th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1993 32 years ago — 99 years old

An American economist and philosopher, contributed significantly to the field of economic thought. Authored several influential books, including 'Economics in One Lesson', which remains a foundational text for students of economics. Worked as an editor for numerous publications, including The New York Times and Newsweek, where economic theories were explained for the general public. His writings emphasized the importance of free markets and individual liberty.

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Afrânio Pompílio Gastos do Amaral

Brazilian herpetologist and researcher
Born
December 1st, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 88 years old

Contributed significantly to herpetology, focusing on the study of reptiles and amphibians in Brazil. Conducted extensive field research that led to the discovery of numerous species within the country. Published various scientific articles that enriched understanding of biodiversity, particularly in Brazilian ecosystems. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of herpetological studies in Brazil, influencing future research and conservation efforts.

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Warren William

Actor and star of 'The Wolf Man'
Born
December 2nd, 1894 130 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1948 76 years ago — 53 years old

Gained prominence as an American actor in the early 20th century. Achieved notable recognition for performances in films such as 'The Wolf Man' and 'The Return of the Vampire'. His career spanned several decades, becoming a recognizable figure in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Demonstrated versatility across various genres, including drama and horror, solidifying a legacy in classic American cinema.

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Charles Robberts Swart

South African lawyer and 1st State President
Born
December 5th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1982 42 years ago — 87 years old

A lawyer and politician served as the first State President of South Africa from 1960 to 1967 following the establishment of the office after the republic was declared in 1960. Swart had previously been active in the government, holding various positions, including Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior. His presidency coincided with significant political changes in South Africa, including the formalization of apartheid laws. After leaving office, Swart continued to be involved in politics and public life until his retirement.

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E. C. Segar

American cartoonist, creator of Popeye
Born
December 8th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1938 87 years ago — 44 years old

This American cartoonist created the character Popeye, which first appeared in the daily King Features comic strip Thimble Theatre in 1929. The character quickly gained popularity and was featured in animated shorts and comic books, becoming a cultural icon. Segar's work helped shape the comic strip medium, influencing future generations of cartoonists and animators. Popeye's unique personality and adventures resonated widely, leading to significant commercial success. Segar's artistic style combined humor and adventure, appealing to a broad audience and establishing a lasting legacy within the realm of comics and animation.

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James Thurber

Humorist and cartoonist, The New Yorker
Born
December 8th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
November 2nd, 1961 63 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent American humorist and cartoonist, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature through illustrations and essays. Worked as a staff writer for The New Yorker, where many of his cartoons and writings were published. His work often depicted the quirks of modern life and the absurdities of human behavior. Authored several books, with major titles including "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and "My Life and Hard Times," both showcasing a unique blend of humor and insight.

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Alexander Nelke

Painter and carpenter
Born
December 14th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1894, this individual worked primarily as a painter and carpenter after relocating to the United States from Estonia. The artistic style incorporates elements of his Estonian heritage while adapting techniques favored in American art. Throughout the career, there was a focus on landscape and still-life subjects, showcasing a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of color. Alongside visual arts, carpentry provided a practical application of craftsmanship, underscoring the connection between artistry and manual skill. Contributions to the art community included participation in local exhibitions, where paintings and carpentry works were displayed, contributing to the recognition of Estonian-American artists.

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Josef Imbach

Swiss sprinter, Olympic competitor
Born
December 15th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1964 61 years ago — 70 years old

Competed in athletics specializing in sprinting events. Participated in the men's 4x100 meters relay at the 1920 Summer Olympics. Achieved recognition in national championships and contributed to the development of sprinting in Switzerland.

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