What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Businessman and religious leader
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
December 1st, 2008 16 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent businessman and religious leader, contributed significantly to the leadership of a major religious organization. Played a crucial role in various church initiatives and programs, emphasizing community service and organizational growth. Held various leadership positions within the organization, focusing on humanitarian efforts and member engagement. Advocated for principles of faith and family within the community. Worked extensively on building networks among followers and supporting local initiatives.

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Odette Laure

French actress and singer, starred in "Les Misérables"
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2004 20 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent French actress and singer, starred in various theatrical productions and films. Notable for performances in the film adaptation of "Les Misérables" and in musical theater. Achieved acclaim for both acting and singing, contributing to the French entertainment scene. Continued to perform until later years, showcasing a commitment to the arts. Passed away in 2004, leaving behind a rich legacy in French culture.

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Carla Lehmann

Canadian-English actress in film and TV
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1990 34 years ago — 73 years old

An accomplished actress with a career spanning several decades, she gained recognition primarily through performances in British films and television. Prominent roles include appearances in 'The Man from the Ministry' and 'The Missing Link.' Her work in the entertainment industry is notable for contributions during the mid-20th century, showcasing talent in both comedic and dramatic genres. Alongside acting, she appreciated various forms of artistic expression, enhancing her presence within the creative community.

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Brenda Joyce

American actress in film and television
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2009 15 years ago — 92 years old

An actress with a career spanning several decades, specialized in film and television during the mid-20th century. Gained recognition for roles in classic films, particularly in the series of Tarzan films. Voiced minor characters in various projects. Transitioned to television in the 1950s, appearing in series that showcased her versatility. Contributed to several soap operas, solidifying her presence in the daytime television landscape. Continued to act until retirement and remains a noted figure in the history of American cinema.

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Darshan Singh Canadian

Trade union leader and activist
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
September 25th, 1986 38 years ago — 69 years old

An Indian-Canadian trade union leader and activist, played a pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights and labor movements. Focused on the conditions of immigrant workers and addressed issues related to labor laws. Contributed to the formation of multiple labor organizations and made strides in securing better working conditions. Actively engaged in community organizing and mobilization efforts in Canada, particularly within immigrant communities.

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Dinu Lipatti

Pianist and composer with acclaimed performances
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1950 74 years ago — 33 years old

A prominent Romanian pianist and composer, contributions to classical music included performances and compositions that captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Studied under notable teachers and gained recognition for exceptional technique and interpretation. Gained acclaim performing with leading orchestras and in prestigious venues. Lipatti's interpretations of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Bach showcased remarkable artistry. The illness led to a premature death, yet the legacy endures through recordings and accolades.

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Fyodor Khitruk

Russian animator and director
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in Russian animation, contributed significantly to the development of Soviet animated films. Directed and wrote several influential works that shaped the medium, most notably the short film 'Well, Just You Wait!'. His films often incorporated unique storytelling techniques and cultural elements, resonating with both adult and child audiences. Through the years, maintained a focus on blending humor with meaningful narratives, influencing future generations of animators.

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Guillermo González Camarena

Mexican engineer and inventor of color TV
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1965 60 years ago — 48 years old

An engineer developed innovations in television technology. Pioneered the first color television transmission system. The invention allowed for the broader use of color in broadcast television, influencing how viewers experienced media. Contributed to various technical advancements in the field, including patents related to color television.

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W. T. Tutte

Mathematician and graph theory pioneer
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 2002 22 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to combinatorial mathematics focused on graph theory. Tutte developed fundamental theories in graph connectivity and matching. Work included Tutte's theorem, which provides conditions for the existence of a perfect matching in bipartite graphs. Held positions at the University of Toronto and received multiple awards for contributions to mathematics.

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