What Happened This Year 1902

Born in 1902

Emeric Pressburger

Hungarian-English film director and producer
Born
December 5th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 86 years old

Born in Hungary and later becoming a British citizen, Pressburger collaborated with Michael Powell to form one of the most significant partnerships in British cinema. He co-wrote, produced, and directed numerous influential films in the 1940s and 1950s. Often blending fantasy and reality, his work remained committed to rich storytelling and strong visual style. Major films include 'The Red Shoes', 'Black Narcissus', and 'A Matter of Life and Death', each receiving critical acclaim for their innovative techniques and vibrant narratives. His efforts in film have left a lasting legacy on the industry, particularly within the realms of British filmmaking and storytelling.

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Strom Thurmond

American politician and governor
Born
December 5th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
June 26th, 2003 21 years ago — 100 years old

Held the position of 103rd Governor of South Carolina from 1947 to 1951. Served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for 48 years, from 1954 to 2003. Participated in multiple significant events during the Civil Rights Movement, including a famous filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

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Hilda Taba

Estonian architect and educator
Born
December 7th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
July 6th, 1967 57 years ago — 64 years old

An influential architect and educator, contributions include significant work in educational reform and curriculum development. Authored several important texts on educational philosophy and curriculum design. Held various academic positions, notably at the University of California, Berkeley, where innovative educational practices were promoted.

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Wifredo Lam

Cuban-French painter and visual artist
Born
December 8th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1982 43 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Cuba to a Chinese father and a Spanish mother, a prominent painter blended surrealism and Afro-Cuban symbolism to create a unique artistic style. Studied in Madrid and later moved to Paris, where he became associated with influential artists like Pablo Picasso and André Breton. His work reflects themes of identity, culture, and history, particularly focusing on the African diaspora in the Caribbean. The painting 'The Jungle' is one of his most recognized works, showcasing bold colors and intricate forms that depict Haitian themes. Throughout his career, participated in various exhibitions and contributed to the Latin American avant-garde movement, establishing a significant legacy in modern art.

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Margaret Hamilton

Actress and voice artist from America
Born
December 9th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1985 39 years ago — 82 years old

An accomplished American actress and voice artist, Hamilton is recognized for her work in film and television, particularly for the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz'. In addition to her iconic film role, she had a notable career in television. Hamilton performed in various series, earning respect in the entertainment industry for her distinctive voice and character portrayals. Beyond acting, Hamilton contributed to educational initiatives, promoting literacy and arts education.

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Talcott Parsons

Sociologist and author of The Structure of Social Action
Born
December 13th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of sociology, particularly through the development of social action theory. Emphasized the importance of understanding social structures and their functions. Advocated for a systems perspective to analyze the relationship between society and individual behavior. Parsons' work influenced the study of modern sociology and shaped theoretical frameworks used in subsequent research.

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Panagiotis Kanellopoulos

Greek politician, Prime Minister
Born
December 13th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1986 38 years ago — 83 years old

Served as the 138th Prime Minister of Greece during the early 1960s. Played a significant role in Greek politics and was active during a period marked by considerable political turmoil. Contributed to several key reforms and policies aimed at modernizing Greek society. Engaged in philosophical writings that explored various societal issues and government practices. His political career included involvement in multiple governments and discussions surrounding Greece's socio-economic challenges.

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Herbert Feigl

Austrian philosopher from the Vienna Circle
Born
December 14th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1988 36 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to the philosophy of science and was a prominent member of the Vienna Circle, a group of philosophers and scientists that advocated for logical positivism. Focused on empirical verification and the meaning of scientific terms. Engaged in debates with notable philosophers and made efforts to clarify the relationship between scientific theories and the concepts they encompass. Emphasized the role of language in understanding scientific discourse. Published various influential works that examined the boundaries of philosophy and science, advocating for a rigorous approach to philosophical inquiry.

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Frances Bavier

American actress from 'The Andy Griffith Show'
Born
December 14th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1989 35 years ago — 86 years old

An American actress achieved prominence through the portrayal of Aunt Bee Taylor on the television series 'The Andy Griffith Show'. Bavier's career in acting began in the 1920s, appearing in both film and stage productions. She transitioned to television in the 1950s, showcasing her talent in various roles. The character of Aunt Bee became an integral part of the beloved sitcom, contributing to its success during its eight-season run. After the show concluded, Bavier continued her work in acting, receiving acclaim for her performances in other television programs and films. She earned a reputation for a warm and nurturing personality through her performances, particularly in her iconic role.

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