What Happened This Year 1918
Born in 1918
Mary Healy
An American actress and singer, Mary Healy gained prominence in the mid-20th century. She starred in the Broadway musical 'The Ziegfeld Follies' and appeared in films such as 'The King and I' and 'The Love Boat.' In addition to her work in theater and film, she was a television personality, making numerous appearances on shows like 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' Healy's career spanned several decades, showcasing her talents as both a performer and a vocalist.
Continue ReadingSpike Milligan
Born in India, spent formative years in England and later Ireland. Served in the British Army during World War II, joining the Royal Artillery. Gained prominence as a comedian, most notably through the radio series 'The Goon Show', which had a significant influence on British comedy. Also wrote various humorous books and poetry, showcasing a unique style that blended absurdity and wit. Milligan's distinctive comedic voice and contributions to literature left a lasting legacy in the comedy genre.
Continue ReadingHsuan Hua
A Chinese-American monk and author, this individual dedicated life to spreading Buddhist teachings and promoting meditation. In 1962, founded the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in California, establishing an important center for Buddhist learning and practice in the West. Authored multiple texts on Buddhism, contributing to the understanding of the religion among English-speaking audiences. Actively translated various Buddhist scriptures, making significant works accessible.
Continue ReadingWilliam Holden
An accomplished actor emerged in the 1940s, achieving widespread recognition for performances in films such as 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'Stalag 17'. Crafted a career characterized by strong performances in both drama and comedy, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for the role in 'Stalag 17'. Transitioned from film to television late in career, contributing to various projects in the medium. Remained a prominent figure in Hollywood until the mid-1980s.
Continue ReadingAndré Bazin
A prominent film critic and theorist, this individual significantly contributed to film criticism and theory through writing and teaching. Established the influential film magazine Cahiers du Cinéma, which became a foundational source of film theory in the mid-20th century. Advocated for realism in cinema and analyzed the works of various filmmakers. His essays and critiques inspired the French New Wave and shaped modern film criticism.
Continue ReadingShinobu Hashimoto
Worked extensively in Japanese cinema, primarily during the mid-20th century. Collaborated with renowned directors and contributed to significant films in the industry. Formulated scripts for classic movies, enhancing narrative techniques in storytelling. Played a key role in shaping the samurai film genre, contributing to Japan's cinematic legacy.
Continue ReadingGabriel Axel
A prominent figure in Danish cinema, contributed significantly as an actor, director, and producer. Directed the film 'Babette's Feast', which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1988. The film is celebrated for its rich storytelling and deep thematic elements. Also acted in various Danish films and television series, establishing a notable presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingClifton Hillegass
Founded CliffsNotes, a series of study guides that simplify classic literature and academic subjects, influencing education across the United States. The concept originated from a desire to aid students in understanding complex texts. These study aids became widely used by students for exam preparation and classwork assistance. CliffsNotes became synonymous with literature study guides, eventually expanding into various subjects and educational resources. The brand maintained a prominent presence in American education for decades.
Continue ReadingTony Mottola
An influential guitarist and composer contributed significantly to the music scene, particularly in television and film. Mottola's career spanned several decades, and his work included collaborations with other notable musicians in the industry. He played a key role in popularizing the guitar as a solo instrument in various genres and settings. His expertise in smooth jazz and Latin music allowed him to create a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences. Mottola also composed and arranged music for television shows, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
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