What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

Yevgeniya Rudneva

Ukrainian lieutenant and pilot
Born
December 24th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1944 80 years ago — 23 years old

Served as a lieutenant in the Soviet Air Force during World War II. Rudneva flew combat missions and contributed to the defense of her country. She achieved significant success as a pilot, leading to her recognition within the military. Her service ended when she was killed in action in 1944.

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Bruce McCarty

Architect, designed City-County Building
Born
December 28th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 93 years old

An American architect contributed significantly to urban design, specifically with the Knoxville City-County Building in Tennessee. This building showcased modern architectural practices and served as a focal point for local governance. McCarty’s work emphasized functionality and aesthetics within the context of civic architecture, enhancing the landscape of Knoxville and fostering community engagement through well-designed public spaces.

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Steve Van Buren

Football player, two-time NFL champion
Born
December 28th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent football player, played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1940s and early 1950s. Spent the entirety of professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1944 to 1951. Achieved significant success, leading the league in rushing yards multiple times. Contributed to the Eagles' two NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

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Al Wistert

American football player and coach, Eagles
Born
December 28th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2016 9 years ago — 95 years old

Played as a tackle in the NFL, primarily for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1943 to 1951. Transitioned to coaching, leading various teams at the high school and college levels after completing his playing career. Recognized for his contributions to the sport during his tenure as a player and coach, and honored with induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

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Tufty Mann

South African cricketer and player
Born
December 28th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
1952 73 years ago — 32 years old

A cricketer represented South Africa in Test matches from 1947 to 1957. Played as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium pace bowler. Appeared in 15 Test matches, scoring 552 runs with a top score of 146. Contributed to the team with 21 wickets, showcasing skills in both batting and bowling. Primarily played for the Northern Transvaal.

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Viveca Lindfors

Swedish-American actress and poet
Born
December 29th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
October 25th, 1995 29 years ago — 74 years old

Born in Sweden, a noted actress who later became a celebrated figure in American cinema and theater. Lindfors gained recognition for performances in classic films such as 'The Inn of the Sixth Happiness' and 'The Naked City.' A prominent stage actress, Lindfors starred in numerous Broadway productions and earned acclaim in the avant-garde theater scene. In addition to acting, she was a talented poet and occasionally showcased her work. Her contributions to both film and theater left a lasting legacy in the arts.

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Rex Allen

Actor and singer-songwriter in Western films
Born
December 31st, 1920 104 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1999 25 years ago — 78 years old

An American actor and singer-songwriter emerged in the 1940s, focusing on Western films and music. Liked for portraying the roles of cowboys and ranchers, achieved significant popularity during the Golden Age of Westerns. Voiced the character of the title in the animated film 'The Brave Little Toaster' and provided vocals for several movie soundtracks. Recorded numerous country and Western songs, contributing to the genre's popularity. Established a successful career in music and film spanning several decades.

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Amália Rodrigues

Fado singer and actress in Portugal
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
October 6th, 1999 25 years ago — 79 years old

Celebrated as the queen of Fado, significant contributions to Portuguese music established a legacy. Began a career in the 1930s, gaining popularity in cafes and theaters. Each performance showcased a unique voice and deep emotional expression that captivated audiences. Starred in films such as 'A Canção de Lisboa' and 'Fado, Histórias de Uma Cidade', intertwining music and cinema. Preserved traditional Fado music while also exploring new horizons within the genre, leading to international recognition. Received numerous awards throughout the career, including the Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique for contributions to Portuguese culture.

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George Armitage Miller

Cognitive psychologist, founded psycholinguistics
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2012 12 years ago — 92 years old

An American psychologist contributed significantly to the understanding of cognitive psychology and linguistics. Founded the field of psycholinguistics, studying the interaction between language and cognition. Developed the concept of the 'magical number seven, plus or minus two', which describes the capacity of working memory. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the cognitive revolution in psychology during the 1950s and 1960s. Served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1969 and published extensively, influencing the areas of cognitive science and language processing.

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