What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

Basil A. Paterson

American lawyer and politician
Born
April 27th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2014 11 years ago — 88 years old

Served as the 59th Secretary of State of New York, overseeing various legal and administrative functions within the state government. Had a significant role in advocating for civil rights and public service. Involved in various legal and political initiatives aimed at improving community relations and governance. Contributed to development projects and policies during tenure in public office.

Continue Reading

Harper Lee

American author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Born
April 28th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2016 9 years ago — 89 years old

An American author wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird', published in 1960. The novel addresses serious issues such as racial injustice and moral growth in the Deep South during the 1930s. Alongside the critical acclaim received for this work, it gained widespread popularity and is often included in school curricula. In 2015, a second novel, 'Go Set a Watchman', was published, which was written before 'To Kill a Mockingbird' but was set two decades later. This work revisited the original characters and explored themes of ethics and social change.

Continue Reading

Bill Blackbeard

Author and illustrator of comics history
Born
April 28th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
March 10th, 2011 14 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent author and illustrator, contributed significantly to the preservation and appreciation of comic strip art. Played a crucial role in increasing awareness of comic history through various publications. Established and edited the critical comic history magazine 'The Nostalgia Journal'. Authored numerous books and articles on the subject, including 'The Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Comics'. Served as a curator for the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art.

Continue Reading

Elmer Kelton

American journalist and author of Western fiction
Born
April 29th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 2009 15 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent journalist and author, contributed significantly to the Western genre through novels and short stories. Wrote over forty books, many depicting the American West and its culture. Won multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Western Heritage Award and the Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. Served as a writer and columnist for newspapers in Texas and contributed articles on various topics, including ranching, agriculture, and the lives of everyday people in the West.

Continue Reading

Shrinivas Khale

Indian composer of Marathi music
Born
April 30th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent Indian composer contributed significantly to Marathi music. Established a unique style that blended traditional elements with modern influences. Composed hundreds of songs across various genres including Bhavageet, Natya Sangeet, and film music. Known for a strong lyrical sense and melodious compositions.

Continue Reading

Cloris Leachman

Actress and comedian in classic films
Born
April 30th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
January 27th, 2021 4 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent actress and comedian, celebrated for a career spanning over seven decades, including significant roles in television and film. Gained widespread acclaim for the television series 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', winning multiple Emmy Awards. Starred in films such as 'Young Frankenstein' and 'The Last Picture Show', earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Leachman also displayed talent in stage performances, garnering recognition for her work in theater productions.

Continue Reading

Peter Lax

Mathematician and academic
Born
May 1st, 1926 98 years ago

Born in Hungary, made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in partial differential equations and applied mathematics. Emigrated to the United States after World War II and held a faculty position at New York University. Authored several textbooks and research papers that are pivotal in the study of mathematics. Received the National Medal of Science in 2005 for outstanding contributions to the field.

Continue Reading

Don Rickles

American Actor and Comedian
Born
May 8th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2017 7 years ago — 90 years old

An actor and comedian, recognized for a distinctive style of insult comedy and quick wit. Gained prominence in the 1960s and had a career spanning several decades. Appeared in films such as 'Kelly's Heroes,' 'Casino,' and the 'Toy Story' series, where provided the voice for Mr. Potato Head. Featured in multiple television shows, often as a guest star or in specials that highlighted his comedic talent.

Continue Reading

David Hurst

German actor in film and television
Born
May 8th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 93 years old

An actor with a prominent career in film and television, often recognized for work during the mid-20th century. Significant appearances included roles in films such as 'The Counterfeiters' and 'The Damned,' along with a number of television series. Established a reputation within the German entertainment industry, contributing to various productions that highlighted dramatic storytelling.

Continue Reading