What Happened This Year 1917

Born in 1917

Dabbs Greer

American actor in 'Little House on the Prairie'
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2007 17 years ago — 90 years old

An American actor with a career spanning several decades, contributed to film and television. Appeared in over 200 television episodes throughout a long career. Gained significant recognition for the role of Reverend Alden in the television series 'Little House on the Prairie'. Also featured in films such as 'The Green Mile'.

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Margaret Taylor-Burroughs

Painter & author, DuSable Museum co-founder
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
November 21st, 2010 14 years ago — 93 years old

An American painter and author, contributed significantly to the arts and education. Co-founded the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago, which focuses on African American culture and history. Created works that reflected the African American experience and focused on promoting cultural awareness. Served as a teacher and mentor, influencing future generations of artists and scholars.

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Zhang Chunqiao

Chinese politician and writer
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
April 21st, 2005 19 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent figure in Chinese politics, involvement in the Gang of Four occurred during the Cultural Revolution, advocating for radical ideologies. As a member of the Gang, played a significant role in promoting Maoist policies and was influential in political discourse during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Following the Cultural Revolution, involvement in political activities continued until eventual arrest in 1976. After years of imprisonment, released in 1991 and took a lower profile until passing in 2005. Writings reflected political viewpoints and embraced revolutionary themes.

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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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Peggy Ahern

Actress in 'The Gene Autry Show' series
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 24th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

An American actress performed in television and film from the 1950s to the 1970s. Appeared in episodes of several popular television series. Notably featured in 'The Gene Autry Show' and other productions during her active years. Transitioned to a career in acting after her start in the entertainment industry. Continued involvement in acting made contributions to audience entertainment over the decades.

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Wilhelm Brasse

Photographer from Auschwitz concentration camp
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 23rd, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A Polish photographer documented life in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. After being imprisoned, created over 40,000 photos of inmates, capturing their faces and stories. After the war, Brasse became an advocate for the remembrance of the Holocaust and shared experiences of survival through his photography. His work served as a historical record and contributed to the preservation of memory regarding the atrocities of the Holocaust.

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Martin Litton

Rafter and environmentalist supporting rivers
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2014 10 years ago — 97 years old

A significant figure in the environmental movement, he dedicated much of his life to the preservation of wilderness areas, particularly in the American West. He worked as a guide in the Grand Canyon, sharing expertise on rafting and educating others about the importance of river conservation. The founding of the Grand Canyon River Guides organization facilitated the voices of river runners advocating for ecological stewardship. Contributions to the campaign against dam projects on rivers, notably the Glen Canyon Dam, played a critical role in the fight for river protection.

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Albert Lee Ueltschi

Businessman and aviation training pioneer
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
October 18th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

Founded FlightSafety International, a premier aviation training company that provides pilot and instructor training programs. The company became a leader in the aviation industry, offering advanced simulations and technologies. Ueltschi was actively involved in aviation safety initiatives and contributed to the development of standards for pilot training. His work significantly influenced how aviation education and training were implemented worldwide.

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Erwin Axer

Polish director and screenwriter
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2012 12 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in Polish theater, contributed significantly as a director and screenwriter. His career spanned several decades, during which he shaped contemporary Polish drama. Worked extensively in various theaters and also embraced the role of a professor, sharing knowledge with future generations of artists. Developed a distinctive style that combined modernism with traditional elements. His works have been celebrated for their depth and engagement with social themes.

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