What Happened This Year 1915

Born in 1915

Norm Smith

Australian football coach and player
Born
November 21st, 1915 109 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1973 51 years ago — 57 years old

Played Australian rules football for the Melbourne Football Club from 1937 to 1949 and served as the team's captain from 1947 to 1949. Transitioned to coaching, leading Melbourne to a series of premierships and establishing a significant coaching legacy. Known for innovative strategies and team management, which contributed to Melbourne's dominance in the 1950s.

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John Dehner

American actor in film and television
Born
November 23rd, 1915 109 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1992 33 years ago — 76 years old

An actor with a prolific career in film and television, primarily recognized for contributions to Westerns and historical dramas. Significant roles included playing in 'The Great Masquerade', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'Have Gun – Will Travel'. His versatility allowed for portrayals of both heroes and villains, achieving a wide-ranging body of work across more than four decades in the industry.

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Armando Villanueva

Peruvian Politician, 121st Prime Minister
Born
November 25th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
April 14th, 2013 11 years ago — 97 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Peru from 1956 to 1958. Held various governmental roles including Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Economy. Contributed to political development and economic policies in Peru during the mid-20th century. Participated in the Peruvian Congress and was influential in legislative processes.

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Augusto Pinochet

Chilean General, 30th President of Chile
Born
November 25th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2006 18 years ago — 91 years old

Rose to prominence as a general in the Chilean Army, leading a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende in 1973. Subsequently assumed the presidency and governed until 1990, implementing neoliberal economic reforms and establishing a military regime marked by widespread human rights violations. After leaving office, faced legal challenges and various attempts to prosecute for crimes committed during the dictatorship.

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Inge King

Australian Sculptor, known for major public works
Born
November 26th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2016 8 years ago — 100 years old

Born in Germany and later relocating to Australia, this sculptor gained recognition for public art installations and her significant contributions to the Australian arts scene. Involved in various art movements, she created monumental sculptures that often incorporated themes from nature and abstraction. An early member of the Australian Sculptors Society, her works were featured in several exhibitions, showcasing her talent and unique vision. The artist's work remains prominent in public spaces, appreciated for its scale and aesthetic appeal.

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Earl Wild

American pianist and composer
Born
November 26th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2010 15 years ago — 94 years old

Earl Wild, an American pianist and composer, gained recognition for exquisite performances and compositions in the classical music genre. He studied under notable teachers and developed a virtuosic piano technique that drew admiration from audiences worldwide. Wild's career spanned several decades, during which he performed both as a soloist and with prominent orchestras. His interpretations of works by composers such as Franz Liszt were particularly acclaimed. In addition to performance, Wild composed numerous original works and transcriptions for piano, significantly contributing to the repertoire. His artistry includes recordings that have received critical acclaim, showcasing his contributions to both performance and composition.

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Ludu Daw Amar

Burmese journalist and author
Born
November 29th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2008 16 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent journalist and author in Burma, engaged in significant literary and journalistic endeavors. Contributed to the development of the literary landscape in Myanmar by publishing various works that reflected the socio-political issues of the time. Founded and edited the magazine 'Ludu' which became a platform for literary expression and political commentary. Advocated for social justice and freedom of expression through writing and journalism, often facing challenges due to political censorship.

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Billy Strayhorn

American jazz composer and pianist
Born
November 29th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1967 57 years ago — 51 years old

A prominent jazz composer and pianist, contributions include a lengthy partnership with Duke Ellington, writing many notable pieces that became staples of the jazz repertoire. Strayhorn's arrangements infused the band with sophistication and depth. He developed a unique style characterized by intricate melodies and harmonies. Despite struggles with health and recognition, his work stood out in jazz circles. His piece 'Take the 'A' Train' became one of Ellington's signature works, even though Strayhorn did not receive the acclaim he deserved during his lifetime. Many of his compositions are still performed and celebrated in contemporary jazz.

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Henry Taube

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
November 30th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2005 19 years ago — 89 years old

A Canadian-American chemist, contributed significantly to the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly in electron transfer reactions. Held a prominent academic career, including a long tenure at Stanford University. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1983 for studies in the mechanisms of electron transfer in metal complexes. Authored numerous influential papers and books, advancing the understanding of various chemical processes.

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