What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

Rae Allen

American actress and director
Born
July 3rd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 96 years old

An actress and director, gained prominence in theater and television. Performed in Broadway productions and made appearences in TV series throughout the 1950s to 1990s. Directed and produced multiple theatrical productions, showcasing versatility in the craft. Received recognition for a career spanning several decades, contributing to the arts through various roles.

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Johnny Coles

Trumpet player and jazz musician
Born
July 3rd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent trumpet player in jazz music, associated with several influential bands and artists. Played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and participated in various recording sessions with notable musicians. Contributed to the jazz genre through performances and collaborations, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.

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Alfredo Di Stéfano

Legendary football player and coach
Born
July 4th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
July 7th, 2014 10 years ago — 88 years old

Argentinian-Spanish footballer and coach played a crucial role at Real Madrid, contributing to the club's dominance in European football during the 1950s. Renowned for exceptional versatility, Di Stéfano operated as a forward and influenced the game through skillful technique and strategy. He helped Madrid secure five consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960, cementing the team's legacy in the tournament's history. After retirement, transitioned into coaching, holding managerial positions for various clubs and national teams.

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Lake Underwood

Race car driver and businessman
Born
July 4th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2008 17 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent race car driver and businessman, competed in various racing events. Participated in the Indianapolis 500 multiple times during the late 1940s and early 1950s, earning recognition in the racing community. Transitioned into the automotive business, contributing to the development of race car technology and performance. His career spanned several decades, showcasing skill both on and off the track.

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Diana Lynn

American actress in film and television
Born
July 5th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1971 53 years ago — 45 years old

Born in 1926, this American actress gained recognition during the 1940s and 1950s. She starred in films and television, making a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Notable works include 'The Major and the Minor' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'. Also featured in popular television shows, she showcased versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her career spanned multiple decades, contributing to her status in cinema.

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Dorothy E. Smith

Canadian sociologist and feminist theorist
Born
July 6th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 96 years old

Contributed to the field of sociology with a focus on feminist perspectives and sociological inquiry. Developed the concept of 'institutional ethnography' as a methodology to analyze social institutions and their impact on women's lives. Published significant works including 'The Everyday World as Problematic' that challenged traditional sociological approaches. Engaged in discussions around the relationship between personal experiences and broader social structures.

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Anand Mohan Zutshi Gulzar Dehlvi

Urdu Poet and Literary Figure
Born
July 7th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1926, a prominent Urdu poet associated with the literary movement in India. Contributed significantly to Urdu literature through poetry and prose, shaping modern Urdu poetic expression. His works often focused on social issues and human emotions. Active in various literary forums and contributed to the promotion of Urdu language and culture. Served on advisory commissions for Urdu literature and education, aiming to elevate the status of the language. The poet’s literary legacy continues to influence new generations of writers and readers.

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Nuon Chea

Cambodian politician and Khmer Rouge chief
Born
July 7th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2019 5 years ago — 93 years old

Served as a prominent leader in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Held the position of Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea and was a significant figure in the establishment of the genocidal policies that led to the deaths of approximately two million people. Played a central role in the Khmer Rouge's aggressive agricultural reforms and the forced relocation of urban populations to rural areas. After the fall of the regime, lived in hiding for several decades before being arrested and tried for crimes against humanity. His trial contributed to the historical understanding of the Khmer Rouge era and its atrocities.

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John Dingell

American politician and legislator
Born
July 8th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
February 7th, 2019 6 years ago — 92 years old

Served as a U.S. Congressman from Michigan for 59 years, representing the 15th District. Played a significant role in crafting major legislation on healthcare, civil rights, and environmental protection. Chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee, contributing to key policies in these areas. Advocated for universal healthcare, which influenced later healthcare reforms.

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