What Happened This Year 1905

Born in 1905

Alex Wilson

Canadian sprinter and Olympic coach
Born
December 1st, 1905 119 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1994 30 years ago — 89 years old

Born in December 1905, a Canadian sprinter excelled in track events during the 1920s and 1930s. Competed for Canada in the 1928 and 1932 Summer Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the 4x100 meter relay in 1932. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, guiding future generations of sprinters. Contributed to the development of athletic programs in Canada.

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Les Ames

English cricketer and wicketkeeper
Born
December 3rd, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent English cricketer, played primarily as a wicketkeeper and batsman. Represented England in Test cricket from 1929 to 1939, contributing significantly to the team's success during this period. Played first-class cricket mainly for Kent County Cricket Club, where he established himself as a formidable player. Achieved over 2,700 runs in Test matches while also taking numerous catches and stumpings, showcasing remarkable skill behind the stumps. Also participated in the County Championship, where he consistently proved to be a key player for Kent. After retirement, continued involvement in cricket through coaching and administrative roles.

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Francisco Javier Arana

Guatemalan Army Colonel and head of state
Born
December 5th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1949 75 years ago — 43 years old

Served as an Army colonel during a critical period in Guatemalan history. Briefly held the position of head of state in 1944 following a military coup. Focused on consolidating power and maintaining control during a tumultuous political era. His regime faced various challenges including internal dissent and opposition from reformist movements.

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Otto Preminger

Film director for 'Anatomy of a Murder'
Born
December 5th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1986 38 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Austria, directed numerous influential films in Hollywood after emigrating in the 1930s. Gained recognition for pushing boundaries with subject matter and storytelling techniques. Directed 'Anatomy of a Murder', which was one of the first films to depict courtroom procedures in detail. Also worked on influential films such as 'Laura' and 'The Man with the Golden Arm', the latter addressing drug addiction. Preminger was known for his strong directorial style and contributions to film production, which sometimes led to controversies within the industry.

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Gerard Kuiper

Astronomer and lunar crater namesake
Born
December 7th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in lunar and planetary studies. Formulated the Kuiper Belt theory, which describes a region of the solar system beyond Neptune populated with small icy bodies. Played a key role in the discovery and analysis of several celestial bodies, including the planet Uranus and its moons. Served as a professor and director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona.

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Dalton Trumbo

American screenwriter and author
Born
December 9th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1976 48 years ago — 70 years old

An American author and screenwriter, recognized for contributions to cinema and literature during the mid-20th century. Wrote screenplays for several acclaimed films, including 'Roman Holiday' and 'Spartacus'. Trumbo was a prominent member of the Hollywood Ten, facing significant challenges due to blacklisting resulting from his refusal to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. His career was marked by a struggle for creative freedom amid political turmoil. The release of the film 'Trumbo' in 2015 highlighted his life and legacy, bringing renewed attention to his work and the Hollywood Blacklist.

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Gilbert Roland

Actor in 'The Seahawk' and 'The Torch', singer
Born
December 11th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1994 30 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1905, this Mexican-American actor enjoyed a prolific career in film and television. Roland became a prominent figure in Hollywood, frequently appearing in Westerns and adventure films. His breakout role came with 'The Seahawk' in 1940, where he showcased his charisma and talent. In addition to his acting career, he also pursued singing, contributing to his versatile presence in the entertainment industry. Roland's career spanned several decades, and he remained active in film and television until the late 1970s.

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Ruben Nirvi

Finnish linguist and professor
Born
December 16th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1986 39 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent linguist and professor, contributions focused on the Finnish language and its dialects. Held a prestigious academic position, influencing the study of Finnish linguistics. Published numerous works that advanced the understanding of language structures and phonetics, participating actively in academic conferences and discussions. Engaged in teaching and mentoring students, fostering future generations of linguists.

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Piet Hein

Danish poet and mathematician
Born
December 16th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1996 28 years ago — 90 years old

A poet and mathematician from Denmark contributed to both fields significantly. Established a reputation for writing short, witty poems called 'grooks' that combine humor with philosophical insights. Also made notable contributions to recreational mathematics, including work on mathematical puzzles and optimization. Created the Soma cube, a popular puzzle in and of itself that reflects abstract mathematical concepts. Contributed to scientific discourse through the intersection of mathematics and art.

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