What Happened This Year 1904

Born in 1904

Isamu Kosugi

Japanese actor and director
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1983 42 years ago — 79 years old

An actor and director contributed significantly to Japanese theater and film. Best recognized for roles in the films "The Lower Depths" and "The Ballad of Narayama," also served as a director for various theatrical productions. Involved in the early development of modern Japanese cinema and participated in many renowned performances.

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Gordon Richards

Jockey and racing manager
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
November 10th, 1986 38 years ago — 82 years old

This individual was a prominent English jockey and later a successful racing manager. Achieving significant success in horse racing, this person won the prestigious Derby three times and was awarded the title of Champion Jockey, which was accomplished 26 times throughout a distinguished career. After retiring from racing, transitioned to management, overseeing numerous successful horses and contributing to the sport.

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Alice White

American actress in silent films
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1983 42 years ago — 79 years old

Active during the silent film era, this actress gained recognition for work in romantic and comedic roles. Appeared in over 70 films from the 1920s to the early 1930s, transitioning to sound films but eventually moving into supporting roles. Worked with major studios such as Warner Bros and Columbia Pictures. Continued to perform on stage and in television into the 1950s, showcasing versatility beyond the silver screen.

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Nicolas de Gunzburg

Banker and publisher of varied works
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1981 44 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent banker and publisher, played a significant role in the investment banking sector during the mid-20th century. Involved in various publishing ventures, contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and culture through literature. Also engaged in philanthropic efforts supporting the arts and education, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and communication.

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Pavel Cherenkov

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in physics
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1990 35 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in the study of particle radiation. Developed the Cherenkov radiation phenomenon, which occurs when charged particles travel faster than the speed of light in a medium. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for the discovery of this effect, alongside other scientists. Published numerous scientific works and was involved in academic research throughout a distinguished career.

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James Rhyne Killian

Educator and White House advisor
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1988 37 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent educator and scientist, contributed significantly to higher education and science policy. Served as the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1948 to 1959. Participated in various advisory roles under several presidential administrations, providing guidance on science and technology issues. Authored important documents that shaped research and development in the United States.

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Joseph Valachi

American gangster and mob informant
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1971 54 years ago — 67 years old

Involved in organized crime, a significant figure in the Genovese crime family. Valachi became the first mobster to publicly acknowledge the existence of the Mafia in the United States. Testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Investigations in 1963, detailing the inner workings of organized crime and consolidating Mafia operations. His revelations contributed to public awareness of the Mafia's influence on American society.

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Leo Arnaud

Composer and conductor of film scores
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1991 34 years ago — 87 years old

Born in France, Arnaud became a prominent composer and conductor in the United States, contributing significantly to the film industry. He is recognized for his work in music for numerous movies, particularly for Twentieth Century Fox. Arnaud's composition 'Bugler's Dream' served as the theme for the Olympic Games in various years, enhancing its legacy. His orchestral arrangements brought depth to film soundtracks and earned him recognition within Hollywood circles.

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Song Qiyun

Communist activist and insurgent leader
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1949 75 years ago — 45 years old

An activist emerged as a prominent figure in the communist movement within China. This individual played a significant role in organizing labor and peasant uprisings, promoting revolutionary ideas to challenge the prevailing socio-political order. Active in the late 1940s, involvement included mobilizing support for the Communist Party during a tumultuous period in Chinese history. The commitment to the movement led to detention and eventual execution by authorities, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of resistance against oppressive regimes.

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