What Happened This Year 1914

Born in 1914

Alec Guinness

English actor, Star Wars and Bridge on River Kwai
Born
April 2nd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2000 24 years ago — 86 years old

An English actor gained prominence through a career in film, television, and theater spanning several decades. Played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy and received an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role in The Bridge on the River Kwai. Renowned for versatility in portraying complex characters across various genres, including drama and comedy. Achieved acclaim within the theatrical community, performing in productions ranging from classic plays to modern scripts.

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Ray Getliffe

Canadian ice hockey player, NHL star
Born
April 3rd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
June 15th, 2008 16 years ago — 94 years old

Played professional ice hockey in the National Hockey League (NHL) primarily as a forward. Achieved significant success during a career that spanned from the 1930s into the early 1950s. Played for teams including the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings. Contributed to winning multiple championships during his tenure.

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Sam Manekshaw

Indian Field Marshal and military leader
Born
April 3rd, 1914 110 years ago
Died
June 27th, 2008 16 years ago — 94 years old

Achieved prominence as a senior commander in the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The military career began in 1934, serving in World War II and later participating in various operations post-independence. Elevated to the rank of Field Marshal in 1973, he served as the Chief of Army Staff from 1969 to 1973, demonstrating strategic acumen in military planning and leadership. Manekshaw's approach to warfare emphasized the importance of morale and planning, which contributed to India's military successes.

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Richard Coogan

Actor known for 'The Naked City'
Born
April 4th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 100 years old

Coogan began his career in the 1940s and gained recognition for work on stage and television. Major television role included starring in the police drama series 'The Naked City', which aired from 1958 to 1963. Additionally, appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, contributing to various productions in the entertainment industry until the early 1970s.

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David W. Goodall

Ecologist and botanist, environmental advocate
Born
April 4th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 104 years old

Born in April 1914, contributions to ecology and botany marked a significant career. Played a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness and conservation. Served as a professor at Edith Cowan University, focusing on plant ecology. Engaged in various research projects that advanced the understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity. Advocated for sustainable practices and climate change awareness until the later years of life. Passed away in May 2018, leaving a legacy of scientific inquiry and environmental advocacy.

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Marguerite Duras

French author and film director
Born
April 4th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1996 29 years ago — 81 years old

An influential figure in literature and cinema, this individual wrote novels, screenplays, and plays. The semi-autobiographical novel "The Lover" became a bestseller and was adapted into a film. Engaged in the avant-garde movement, contributions included exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. In the realm of cinema, excellent work in film direction was noted, especially in adaptations of her literary works. This person was also involved in political activism and journalism, particularly during World War II.

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Felice Borel

Italian footballer and World Cup winner
Born
April 5th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
1993 32 years ago — 79 years old

A professional footballer played as a forward during the early to mid-20th century. Borel joined Juventus in 1931, contributing significantly to the team's successes. His career included time with the Italian national team, with participation in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, where Italy secured the championship title. After an impressive stint in Italy, Borel later moved to France to continue his playing career before retiring.

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Ralph Flanagan

American pianist and conductor of orchestras
Born
April 7th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1995 29 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1914, a pianist, composer, and conductor contributed significantly to American orchestral music. Established a career through performance and arranging music, including popular styles of the mid-20th century. Led orchestras on national tours and recorded numerous albums, blending classical and popular genres. Achieved recognition for work on radio and television, showcasing compositions that garnered widespread appeal.

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María Félix

Mexican actress in classic cinema
Born
April 8th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2002 22 years ago — 88 years old

A leading figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, the actress appeared in over 47 films during a prolific career spanning several decades. Recognized for her beauty and charisma, performances included roles in 'Doña Barbara' and 'La Belleza de la Vida'. Earning acclaim for her strong female characters, she became a cultural icon both in Mexico and abroad. She was also involved in various artistic endeavors beyond acting.

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