What Happened This Year 1905

Born in 1905

Maria von Trapp

Austrian-American singer and composer
Born
January 26th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1987 38 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Austria, a career as a singer began in the early 20th century. Joined the Trapp Family Singers in the 1930s, performing in various venues across Europe and later in the United States. This group gained fame for its performances of traditional Austrian music and for contributing to the American folk music revival. Their story was adapted into the Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music' and the 1965 film of the same name, which increased their international recognition. Later years involved philanthropic efforts and a focus on music education, emphasizing the importance of singing and musicianship.

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Howard McNear

American actor in radio and television
Born
January 27th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1969 56 years ago — 64 years old

An actor active primarily in radio and television. Gained prominence for portraying the character Floyd Lawson on the long-running radio program and television series 'The Andy Griffith Show.' Started career in radio with roles in various programs before transitioning to television. Participated in the Hollywood theater scene and worked on several other notable television series throughout the 1960s.

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Barnett Newman

American painter, Color Field artist
Born
January 29th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1970 55 years ago — 65 years old

Significant figure in abstract expressionism, focused on color and line in art. Developed a distinct style characterized by large fields of color and simple forms. Pioneered the use of the 'zip', a vertical line that divides color fields. Created works that explored themes of space and scale. Influenced the direction of modern art.

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John O'Hara

Author and playwright of 'Appointment in Samarra'
Born
January 31st, 1905 120 years ago
Died
April 11th, 1970 55 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1905, an American author and playwright gained recognition for literary works that captured American life and society. Wrote 'Appointment in Samarra' in 1934, a novel that explores themes of social class and fate. Also wrote plays, short stories, and screenplays, with significant contributions to the New Yorker magazine. His writing style influenced American literature and the portrayal of urban America in fiction.

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Emilio Segrè

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 1st, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1989 36 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Italy, this physicist contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics. Segrè's early work included the discovery of the element technetium alongside Carlo Perrier. He moved to the United States in 1938, where his research at institutions like the Manhattan Project and Berkeley lab advanced the understanding of antimatter. Segrè's prominent achievement was receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1959 for the discovery of the antiproton, a fundamental component of matter. His academic career included teaching positions at several prestigious universities.

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Ayn Rand

Novelist and philosopher of Objectivism
Born
February 2nd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1982 43 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Russia, later moved to the United States, where significant contributions to literature and philosophy occurred. Wrote novels such as 'Atlas Shrugged' and 'The Fountainhead', which promote the philosophy of Objectivism, emphasizing reason, individualism, and capitalism. Developed a distinctive narrative style that combined fiction with philosophical discourse, influencing many readers and thinkers in the 20th century.

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Arne Beurling

Mathematician known for complex analysis
Born
February 3rd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Sweden, a mathematician and academic specialized in complex analysis and functional analysis. Developed the Beurling transform, contributing significantly to harmonic analysis. Worked at the University of Uppsala and later at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Offered insights into various areas of mathematics, including operator theory and analytic number theory. His work influenced both theoretical mathematics and its applications. Beurling's academic career spanned several decades, during which he published numerous papers and mentored future mathematicians.

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Hylda Baker

Comedian and actress known for 'The Stage'
Born
February 4th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1986 39 years ago — 81 years old

Born in England, one of the prominent figures in British comedy and music hall performance, achieved widespread recognition for a unique style that blended humor with song. Gained popularity through performances in variety shows and television, notably starring in the sitcom 'Neptune's Daughter'. Achievements spanned a long career, entertaining audiences with quick wit and distinctive delivery. Continued to perform into later life, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry.

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Jan Werich

Czech actor and playwright, collaborated on The Emperor and the Golem
Born
February 6th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1980 44 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in Czech cinema and theatre, worked as both an actor and a playwright. Co-founded the famous theatrical group, Divadloabc, and created memorable film roles in productions such as 'The Emperor's New Clothes' and 'The Golem'. During the 20th century, became a significant cultural icon in Czechoslovakia, blending humor and social commentary in performances. Collaborated with other notable artists to enrich the Czech theatrical landscape, including the direction of various plays and films that showcased a unique style.

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