What Happened This Year 1906

Born in 1906

Marcel Carné

French film director, 'Les Enfants du Paradis'
Born
August 18th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
October 31st, 1996 28 years ago — 90 years old

A pivotal figure in French cinema, contributed significantly to the poetic realism movement. Directed the critically acclaimed film 'Les Enfants du Paradis', which premiered in 1945 and is celebrated for its rich storytelling and character development. Collaborated with screenwriters such as Jacques Prévert and worked with notable cinematographers. Involved in several other successful films, including 'Jour se lève' and 'Drôle de drame'. His body of work left a lasting legacy in the French film industry.

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Philo Farnsworth

Television inventor and pioneer
Born
August 19th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1971 54 years ago — 64 years old

An inventor and television pioneer, significantly contributed to the development of electronic television. Developed the first working television system, which included the fully electronic method of scanning and transmitting images. Conducted several important experiments that led to the invention of the cathode ray tube technology used in early television sets. Established a significant patent battle over television against RCA.

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Friz Freleng

Animator and director of Looney Tunes
Born
August 21st, 1906 118 years ago
Died
May 26th, 1995 29 years ago — 88 years old

An American animator, director, and producer contributed significantly to the creation of iconic characters and cartoons. Started working with Warner Bros. in the 1930s, Freleng directed numerous Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. His work included famous characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. Freleng co-created the beloved character Tweety Bird and worked on notable films including 'The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie.' Received multiple Academy Awards for his contributions to animation and film, solidifying a prominent place in animation history.

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Zoltan Sarosy

Hungarian-Canadian chess master
Born
August 23rd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 111 years old

Born in 1906, a chess master achieved notable success in competitive chess during the mid-20th century. Competed in numerous international tournaments. Represented Canada in various chess competitions after immigrating. Contributed to chess literature with several publications. Helped in the development of chess players through coaching and mentorship.

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Bunny Austin

English tennis player, Wimbledon Semi-Finalist
Born
August 26th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2000 24 years ago — 94 years old

Achieved prominence in the tennis world during the 1920s and 1930s. Competed in numerous prestigious tournaments, with a strong showing at Wimbledon. Reached the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships in both 1930 and 1932. Contributed to British tennis as a Davis Cup player, helping secure victories for the national team during his career.

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Albert Sabin

Virologist and developer of polio vaccine
Born
August 26th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1993 32 years ago — 86 years old

A Polish-American physician and virologist developed the oral poliovirus vaccine, which became a significant tool in the effort to eradicate poliomyelitis. The vaccine was introduced in the early 1960s and replaced the earlier injected vaccine developed by Jonas Salk. Sabin's work in vaccine development contributed to the dramatic reduction of polio cases worldwide and facilitated mass immunization campaigns. His research also extended into other viral diseases, including mumps and rubella, enriching the field of virology and public health.

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Ed Gein

Infamous murderer and body snatcher
Born
August 27th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
July 26th, 1984 40 years ago — 77 years old

Born in 1906, he gained infamy for committing a series of murders in the 1950s in Wisconsin. His activities included grave robbing, where he exhumed bodies from local cemeteries and fashioned household items from human remains. Arrested in 1957, the investigation revealed a disturbing collection of body parts and artifacts. His case influenced popular culture, inspiring several fictional characters, including Norman Bates in 'Psycho' and Leatherface in 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.' He was found guilty but deemed legally insane, resulting in his commitment to a psychiatric hospital until his death in 1984.

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John Betjeman

English poet and academic
Born
August 28th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1984 40 years ago — 77 years old

An English poet and academic, the figure contributed significantly to British literature. His poetry often celebrated the English countryside and architectural heritage. Betjeman served as the poet laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984. He published a number of well-received poetry collections, including 'Summoned by Bells', which reflects on his life experiences and British life. A prominent commentator on architecture and urban development, he advocated for the preservation of Victorian buildings.

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Joan Blondell

American actress in 'Gold Diggers of 1933'
Born
August 30th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1979 45 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1906, Blondell gained early recognition on Broadway before transitioning to film. Her career flourished during the 1930s and 1940s, becoming a prominent figure in Warner Bros. She starred in musicals and comedies, often alongside major stars. Notable films include 'Gold Diggers of 1933' and 'The Wedding Present'. Throughout her career, she received critical acclaim and was nominated for various awards.

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