1917 1919

What Happened This Year 1918

All Events 143 Births 452 Deaths 150

Born in 1918

Hulett C. Smith

American politician, 27th Governor of West Virginia

Born

1918 107 years ago

Died

January 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 94 years old

Served as the 27th Governor of West Virginia from 1969 to 1971. Before holding the governorship, participated in state politics, representing the Democratic Party. Held various roles in local and state government, focusing on education and infrastructure development. Contributed to legislative efforts that shaped the development of the state during the late 20th century.

Robert Aldrich

American film director and producer

Born

1918 107 years ago

Died

December 5th, 1983 42 years ago — 65 years old

Aldrich was a prominent director and producer in American cinema, with a career spanning several decades. Directing films in the 1950s and 1960s offered a distinct blend of commercial appeal and artistic expression. Works included the iconic war film 'The Dirty Dozen' and the psychological thriller 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' which featured strong performances from its lead actresses. His films often showcased complex characters and explored themes of power and rebellion. In addition to directing, Aldrich produced numerous successful projects and contributed significantly to the evolution of cinematic storytelling.