What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Allen Ludden

Television game show host and personality
Born
October 5th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1981 43 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent television personality and game show host, gained recognition for hosting the popular game show 'Password' from its inception in 1961 until 1980. His engaging style and charm made the show a staple of television during its run. Additionally, hosted 'The Hollywood Squares' and 'Password Plus'. Worked as a theater actor and hosted various television specials throughout his career. Received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show.

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Magda Szabó

Hungarian author, renowned for 'The Door'
Born
October 5th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 90 years old

An influential Hungarian author and poet, contributions included novels, essays, and plays. Gained prominence with the publication of 'The Door', a profound exploration of relationships and human experience. Other works encompassed themes of personal and societal struggles, often drawing from personal experiences. Szabó received numerous awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Kossuth Prize in 1978 and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

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Fannie Lou Hamer

Civil Rights Activist and Philanthropist
Born
October 6th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
March 14th, 1977 48 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent civil rights activist, advocated for voting rights and grassroots organizing. Co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which challenged the all-white delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Worked with various organizations to address racial injustice and economic inequality. Testified before Congress, highlighting the struggles of African Americans in the South. Established initiatives to improve education and housing for African Americans.

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June Allyson

American actress in classic musicals
Born
October 7th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
July 8th, 2006 18 years ago — 88 years old

Achieved fame as an actress in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly in musical films. Gained recognition for roles in 'Girl Crazy' and 'The Three Musketeers'. Also starred in dramas, including 'The Uninvited' and 'Little Women'. Later became a television personality and featured in commercials. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for contributions to the film industry.

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Walter Lord

Historian and author of historical works
Born
October 8th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2002 22 years ago — 84 years old

An American historian and author, contributed significantly to the genre of historical narrative non-fiction. Best recognized for the book 'A Night to Remember', which detailed the sinking of the RMS Titanic, providing a thorough account through survivor testimonies. Authored works on various historical events, emphasizing storytelling and personal experiences to engage readers. Extensive research and writing highlighted the human aspects of historical crises and events.

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Billy Conn

Boxer and World Light Heavyweight Champion
Born
October 8th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1993 31 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1917, a professional boxer competed in the light heavyweight division. Held the World Light Heavyweight title from 1939 to 1941. Fought prominently during the 1930s and 1940s, gaining attention for bouts against Joe Louis. The match against Louis in 1941 was particularly significant and showcased boxing talent. Transitioned to a successful career in acting post-retirement.

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Rodney Robert Porter

Biochemist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 8th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1985 40 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of biochemistry, focusing on the structure of immunoglobulins. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 for work on the chemical structure of antibodies. Held academic positions at renowned institutions, including the University of Oxford, where further research on immunology was conducted. Made advancements in understanding the human immune system through detailed studies of protein structures.

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Danny Murtaugh

Baseball manager, World Series champion
Born
October 8th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1976 48 years ago — 59 years old

Played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Managed the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading the team to two World Series titles in 1960 and 1971. Transitioned to coaching after playing, focusing on developing players and strategies. Retired after a successful managerial career but continued to contribute to baseball in various capacities.

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Thelonious Monk

Jazz pianist and composer
Born
October 10th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1982 43 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in the development of jazz, contributed to the genre with unique compositions and improvisational style. Active during the mid-20th century, provided influential pieces that shaped modern jazz. Gained recognition for performances in New York City, particularly at thelonious monk's jazz club. His innovative approach combined dissonance with sophisticated harmonic ideas, leading to a distinct sound in the jazz world.

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