What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

Frank Perdue

Poultry businessman and brand icon
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
March 31st, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old

An influential businessman in the poultry industry, he established a successful chicken brand in the United States. Under leadership, the company focused on quality chicken production and introduced innovative marketing strategies. Created a memorable advertising campaign featuring himself which helped increase brand recognition. The brand became synonymous with quality poultry products and led to significant growth in market share. The company expanded its operations and became one of the largest producers of poultry in the nation, offering a variety of products that appealed to consumers.

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Fred Kida

Illustrator, modernist artwork creator
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

An illustrator and painter, recognized for contributions to modernist art. Developed a distinctive style combining bold colors and shapes. Worked with prominent publishing houses, creating illustrations for books and magazines. Engaged in various exhibitions showcasing artworks that reflected cultural themes. Influences included Japanese art and American pop culture.

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Richard N. Frye

American scholar and academic expert
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
March 27th, 2014 11 years ago — 94 years old

An influential scholar in Persian studies, contributed significantly to the understanding of Iranian history and culture. Held academic positions at Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts. Founded the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard, which became a key institution for the study of the region. Authored several books and translated important Persian texts, enhancing Western knowledge of Persian literature and culture.

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Alf Kjellin

Swedish actor and director of 'The Magician'
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1988 37 years ago — 68 years old

An actor and director distinguished in Swedish cinema and television. Directed the popular film 'The Magician' in 1958, contributing significantly to the film's success. Developed a successful career in television, appearing in numerous Swedish TV series throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His work featured a mix of classic theatre and screen adaptations, showcasing significant talent in both acting and directing.

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Rayson Huang

Chemist and academic from Hong Kong
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2015 10 years ago — 95 years old

Contributions included research in polymer chemistry and senior academic roles. Served as a professor at the University of Hong Kong, influencing many students. Led various research initiatives and published numerous scientific papers in the field of chemistry, particularly focusing on the properties of polymers and their applications. Played a significant role in promoting scientific research in Hong Kong and enhancing its educational framework.

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Bryant Bowles

White supremacist and soldier
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1997 28 years ago — 77 years old

An American soldier founded the National Association for the Advancement of White People. This organization sought to promote white supremacy and advocate for the interests of white individuals. Bowles' activities included organizing events and rallies that were centered around white nationalist ideologies. His efforts drew attention from various groups and individuals opposing racism and hate. The organization played a role in the broader context of white supremacist movements within the United States during the later part of the 20th century.

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Jean Gascon

Canadian actor and theatre director
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1988 37 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent figure in Canadian theatre, this actor and director contributed significantly to the development of the country's performing arts scene. Founding the Canadian Theatre Company in the 1960s, he was instrumental in promoting Canadian plays and playwrights. He performed in a variety of productions, gaining recognition for his roles in both English and French theatre. In addition to acting, directed numerous acclaimed theatrical works, influencing generations of performers. His efforts in fostering a national identity through the arts were recognized with various accolades throughout his career.

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Walter Ernsting

German science fiction author
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
January 15th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent German author focused on science fiction, contributed significantly to the genre both as an author and translator. Writings included notable works, originally published under the pseudonym Clark Darlton. Helped popularize science fiction in the German-speaking world, influencing a generation of readers and writers. Translated various works from English to German, making many significant science fiction stories accessible to the German audience. Continued to publish works until his death in 2005.

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Zaim Topčić

Yugoslav and Bosnian writer
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1990 35 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent Yugoslav and Bosnian writer, contributed significantly to literature in the 20th century. Engaged in storytelling that captured the complexities of life in Bosnia. Wrote numerous works exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and human experience. Served as a literary figure during a time of great social change in Yugoslavia, weaving narratives that reflected the historical and cultural contexts of the region. His works displayed a unique blend of tradition and modernity, emphasizing the rich tapestry of Bosnian culture.

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