What Happened This Year 1918

Born in 1918

Mary Healy

American actress and singer
Born
April 14th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 2015 10 years ago — 96 years old

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.

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Hsuan Hua

Chinese-American monk and author
Born
April 16th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1995 29 years ago — 77 years old

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.

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Spike Milligan

Comedian, actor, and author of Q series
Born
April 16th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
February 27th, 2002 23 years ago — 83 years old

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.

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William Holden

American actor in Sunset Boulevard
Born
April 17th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1981 43 years ago — 63 years old

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.

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André Bazin

Film critic and theorist, founded Cahiers du Cinéma
Born
April 18th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 40 years old

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.

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Shinobu Hashimoto

Japanese director and screenwriter
Born
April 18th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 100 years old

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.

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Tony Mottola

Guitarist and composer for television shows
Born
April 18th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
August 9th, 2004 20 years ago — 86 years old

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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Clifton Hillegass

American publisher, founded CliffsNotes
Born
April 18th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2001 23 years ago — 83 years old

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.

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Gabriel Axel

Danish actor, director of Babette's Feast
Born
April 18th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2014 11 years ago — 95 years old

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.

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