What Happened This Year 1924

Born in 1924

Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

Saudi King and influential monarch
Born
August 1st, 1924 100 years ago
Died
January 23rd, 2015 10 years ago — 90 years old

Ascended to the throne in 2005 following the death of King Fahd. Focused on modernizing Saudi Arabia while maintaining traditional practices. Implemented various economic and social reforms, including efforts to diversify the national economy away from oil dependence. Promoted women's rights by allowing them to drive and participate in the workforce. Played a pivotal role in strengthening relations with Western countries and addressing regional conflicts, particularly in relation to Syria and Yemen. Died on January 23, 2015.

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Marcia Mae Jones

American actress in 'What a Life'
Born
August 1st, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 83 years old

An American actress and singer, gained recognition during the 1940s. Appeared in several films and television series, showcasing versatility in various roles. Featured prominently in the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz' as part of a notable child cast. Participated in numerous productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s, expanding her career into music as well. Continued to contribute to the entertainment industry in different capacities before retiring from acting in the early 1960s.

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James Baldwin

American novelist and social critic
Born
August 2nd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1987 37 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent voice in American literature, this individual wrote novels, essays, and plays exploring race, sexuality, and personal identity. Major works included novels like 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' and 'Another Country', as well as the essay collection 'The Fire Next Time'. Engagement in civil rights activism further defined the public presence. The influence extends to both literary and cultural discourse around racial issues in the United States.

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Joe Harnell

American pianist and television composer
Born
August 2nd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 81 years old

A pianist and composer contributed significantly to television and film music. Served as music director for the iconic series 'The Twilight Zone' and composed the theme for 'The Bionic Woman'. Developed a unique style that blended classical music with contemporary elements. Recorded multiple albums showcasing versatility as a performer and composer. His work left a lasting legacy in the field of television music.

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Carroll O'Connor

Actor best known for 'All in the Family'
Born
August 2nd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2001 23 years ago — 76 years old

This American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter gained recognition for portraying Archie Bunker on the television series 'All in the Family'. The show aired from 1971 to 1979 and addressed social issues through its controversial humor. O'Connor's performance earned him several awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition to his role on 'All in the Family', he starred in the spin-off series 'Archie Bunker's Place', further developing the character. He also appeared in films such as 'Kelly's Heroes' and 'The Heat of the Night'. O'Connor's contributions to television and film have left a lasting legacy in American culture.

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Leon Uris

American novelist and screenwriter
Born
August 3rd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2003 21 years ago — 78 years old

An American soldier and author, Uris wrote several bestselling novels that explore themes of war and conflict. His most notable works include 'Exodus', which tells the story of the founding of Israel, and 'QB VII', which revolves around a court case involving a Holocaust survivor. Uris's writing often drew upon his own experiences and historical research. He also served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, which influenced his literary works. In addition to novels, Uris contributed to screenplays, bringing his stories to a wider audience through film adaptations.

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Samuel Bowers

White supremacist and KKK leader
Born
August 6th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 82 years old

Co-founded the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the civil rights movement. Bowers played a significant role in the Klan's activities in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi. His leadership was marked by the promotion of white supremacist ideologies and violent actions against African Americans and civil rights activists. Bowers was implicated in the killings of civil rights workers and was later convicted for his involvement in racially motivated crimes.

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Jean-François Lyotard

French philosopher of postmodernism
Born
August 10th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
April 21st, 1998 26 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent philosopher and literary theorist, contributed significantly to the field of postmodernism. His pivotal work, 'The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge', critiqued the narratives and ideologies of modernity. Lyotard examined the impact of technology on society and the changes in the nature of knowledge. Authoring numerous works, he analyzed the relationship between language, power, and knowledge in contemporary culture. Lyotard's ideas influenced various disciplines, including sociology, art, and cultural studies.

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Martha Hyer

American actress and Oscar nominee
Born
August 10th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2014 10 years ago — 89 years old

This actress gained recognition in the 1950s and 1960s for various roles in film. Best recognized for appearances in 'Some Came Running' and 'The Sons of Katie Elder', her work spanned both dramatic and comedic performances. In 1960, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Some Came Running'. Her career included performances in theater and television, contributing to her presence in the entertainment industry throughout the decades.

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