What Happened This Year 1924

Born in 1924

Garde Gardom

Lawyer and Lieutenant Governor of BC
Born
July 17th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2013 11 years ago — 88 years old

Graduated from the University of British Columbia with a law degree and practiced law for several years. Served in various public roles, including membership in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Appointed as the 26th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 1995 to 2001, representing the monarch in the province and performing various ceremonial duties. Contributed to numerous community and charitable organizations throughout his career.

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Tullio Altamura

Italian actor in film and theater
Born
July 18th, 1924 100 years ago

An Italian actor with a career spanning several decades, notable for performances in film and stage. Gained prominence for work in Italian cinema and theater, participating in various films during the mid-20th century. Contributed significantly to the Italian film industry, particularly in genres that defined post-war Italian cinema, and collaborated with numerous acclaimed directors and playwrights. Continued to perform in theater productions, showcasing a wide range of characters and emotional depth until later in life.

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Inge Sørensen

Danish swimmer, Olympic medalist
Born
July 18th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 87 years old

Inge Sørensen was a competitive swimmer from Denmark who specialized in breaststroke. Born in 1924, Sørensen made history by becoming the first woman to swim under the two-minute mark in the 200-meter breaststroke. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Sørensen won a bronze medal in the 200-meter breaststroke, which was significant as she was only 12 years old at the time. This accomplishment marked a milestone in her early swimming career and set the stage for her future contributions to the sport. She achieved numerous national titles and broke various records throughout her swimming career, establishing herself as a prominent figure in Danish sports.

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Pat Hingle

American film and television actor
Born
July 19th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 2009 16 years ago — 84 years old

An American actor with a prolific career in film, television, and theater. Achieved prominence through performances in films such as 'Cool Hand Luke', 'The Anderson Tapes', and 'Batman' where portrayed Commissioner Gordon. Gained recognition for roles in television series including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Matlock'. Received accolades for versatility and ability to portray a variety of characters across genres, including dramatic and comedic roles. Participated in Shakespearean theater prior to gaining fame in Hollywood.

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Stanley K. Hathaway

American politician and lawyer
Born
July 19th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
October 4th, 2005 19 years ago — 81 years old

Served as the 40th United States Secretary of the Interior. Played an influential role in various environmental policies during the presidency of Gerald Ford. Prior to this, practiced law and held significant positions in state politics in Wyoming. Contributed to the development of public lands policies and the management of national parks.

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Mort Garson

Songwriter and composer of electronic music
Born
July 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Canada, this songwriter and composer gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. He is recognized for pioneering the use of synthesizers in popular music, blending genres and creating unique soundscapes. Notable works include the albums 'Plantasia' and 'Music for Plants', which showcased innovative electronic compositions aimed at the natural world. Collaborations with artists across various genres further established a distinct style that resonated with audiences.

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Lola Albright

Actress and singer from 'Peter Gunn'
Born
July 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 93 years old

An American actress and singer, achieved recognition for performances in film and television during the mid-20th century. Gained prominence for the role of Edie Hart in the television series 'Peter Gunn' and appeared in films such as 'The Great Gatsby' and 'The Tender Trap'. Also demonstrated talent as a vocalist, releasing several recordings. Contributed to various television series and movies, becoming a staple of the entertainment industry during her era.

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Thomas Berger

American author and playwright, wrote 'Little Big Man'
Born
July 20th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
July 13th, 2014 10 years ago — 89 years old

An American author and playwright achieved recognition for notable literary works throughout a career spanning several decades. The novel 'Little Big Man' brought attention to the complexities of American history and the perspective of Native Americans. This work was adapted into a successful film in 1970, enhancing its reach and cultural significance. Other notable publications include 'Regeneration' and 'The Return of Little Big Man.' The ability to blend humor with serious themes distinguished his writing style and resonated with readers. Contributions to both fiction and drama have established a lasting legacy in American literature.

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Don Knotts

American actor and comedian from TV
Born
July 21st, 1924 100 years ago
Died
February 24th, 2006 19 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent actor and comedian, contributed significantly to television and film during the mid-20th century. Rose to fame for the role of Deputy Barney Fife on the television series 'The Andy Griffith Show,' which aired from 1960 to 1968. Portrayed various comedic characters in films including 'The Ghost and Mr. Chicken' and 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet.' Garnered several awards for performances, including five Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His work remained influential in the realm of comedy, showcasing a distinctive style that resonated with audiences for decades.

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