What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

Ray Harryhausen

Animator and producer of stop-motion films
Born
June 29th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 93 years old

Pioneered stop-motion animation techniques that revolutionized visual effects in cinema. Created iconic creatures and characters for films such as 'Jason and the Argonauts', 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad', and 'Clash of the Titans'. Contributed to the development of animated storytelling, influencing countless filmmakers and animators. Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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Eleanor Ross Taylor

American poet and educator
Born
June 30th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 91 years old

An accomplished poet and educator, this individual contributed significantly to American literature. Published works include 'The Poets of the Future' and 'Wilderness;', which reflect profound themes and engaging language. Teaching roles included positions at various educational institutions, inspiring future generations of writers. The poetry often exhibits a deep connection to nature and personal experience, reinforcing the importance of observation and introspection in the art of writing.

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Harold Sakata

Wrestler and actor, portrayed Oddjob
Born
July 1st, 1920 104 years ago
Died
July 29th, 1982 42 years ago — 62 years old

A Japanese-American wrestler and actor gained recognition for playing the character Oddjob in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Initially a successful amateur wrestler, he transitioned to professional wrestling, competing in various matches across the United States. The performance in Goldfinger brought significant attention and opened doors to further artistic endeavors, including appearances in television series and films. Contributions to both wrestling and acting resulted in a lasting legacy in popular culture.

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Leona Helmsley

American hotelier and real estate leader
Born
July 4th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2007 17 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent business figure in the hotel and real estate industry, operated the Helmsley Hotels. Gained notoriety for operating high-end hotels in New York City, including the famous Parker Meridien and the Grand Hyatt. Her business strategies and controversies garnered significant media attention throughout her career. Became a key figure in the New York social scene during the 1980s, often associated with luxury living and extravagant lifestyles. Her legal troubles in the late 1980s and her eventual conviction for tax evasion, which led to a four-year prison sentence, marked significant turning points in her life.

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Paul Bannai

American politician and statesman
Born
July 4th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 99 years old

Born on July 4, 1920, a prominent American politician served as a member of the California State Assembly from 1967 to 1973. Represented the 30th district and focused on issues related to community development and education. Contributed to legislative reforms that emphasized minority rights and local governance. Actively engaged in community service and local politics, fostering relationships within the Japanese American community and advocating for their interests.

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David Brinkley

Television journalist and news anchor
Born
July 10th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
June 11th, 2003 21 years ago — 82 years old

Brinkley began a career in journalism in the late 1940s, initially working for the NBC network. He gained prominence as a co-anchor of the evening news in the 1950s, delivering comprehensive coverage of significant events such as the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Brinkley's signature style combined straightforward reporting with insightful commentary. Transitioning to ABC in the 1970s, he anchored the network's evening news program, earning multiple awards for journalistic excellence. His perspective on major political events and unique storytelling ability garnered a substantial audience throughout his career.

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Owen Chamberlain

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner in Physics
Born
July 10th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2006 19 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to particle physics, particularly through research on mesons. Conducted experiments that led to the discovery of the antiproton, which expanded the understanding of the composition of matter. Worked at the University of California, Berkeley, where collaboration with other physicists fostered advancements in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1959 for efforts in experimental particle physics. His work established a foundation for subsequent developments in high-energy physics.

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Yul Brynner

The King and I star and Russian actor
Born
July 11th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1985 39 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1920, an actor and dancer emerged as a prominent figure in theatre and film. Achievements included a celebrated role asthe King of Siam in the musical 'The King and I', which received multiple awards during its Broadway run. The performance on stage transitioned successfully to the silver screen in the 1956 film adaptation, garnering an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for a distinctive bald appearance and commanding presence, performed in numerous languages and had a significant influence on international cinema.

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Beah Richards

American actress in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner'
Born
July 12th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
September 14th, 2000 24 years ago — 80 years old

An accomplished American actress, recognized for a career spanning over five decades. Achievements include a significant role in the film 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', which addressed racial issues during its time. Additionally, an Emmy Award was earned for work on the television series 'The Great White Hope'. Contributions to theater were made through performances in various productions, showcasing talent both on stage and screen. Advocacy for civil rights and representation in the arts was also prominent throughout her life.

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