What Happened This Year 1926

Born in 1926

William Wakefield Baum

American cardinal of the Catholic Church
Born
November 21st, 1926 98 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2015 9 years ago — 88 years old

Ordained a priest in 1953, served in various capacities including as a bishop in several dioceses. Appointed as the Archbishop of Washington in 1973, held this position until retirement in 1980. Participated in the 1978 conclave that elected Pope John Paul II. Elevated to the cardinalate in 1985, contributing to the Roman Catholic Church and representing the Church at international events. Advocated for religious education and understood theological issues of the time.

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Matti Ranin

Finnish actor in film and television
Born
November 21st, 1926 98 years ago
Died
November 24th, 2013 11 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1926, this actor had a significant career in Finnish film and television. His work included performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. Outstanding contributions were made to popular Finnish productions during the late 20th century. A versatile artist, various characters were portrayed throughout a lengthy career.

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Lew Burdette

Baseball player, 1957 World Series champion
Born
November 22nd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2007 18 years ago — 80 years old

A professional baseball player and coach, Burdette played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Milwaukee Braves. Recognized for outstanding pitching skills during the 1957 season, he helped lead the Braves to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. His performance in that series earned him the World Series MVP award. After retiring as a player, Burdette transitioned to coaching, contributing to the development of younger athletes in various minor league teams. His expertise in pitching garnered respect within the baseball community.

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Sathya Sai Baba

Indian guru and philanthropic leader
Born
November 23rd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
April 24th, 2011 13 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent Indian guru and spiritual leader, recognized for promoting human values and religious harmony. Established numerous educational and medical institutions, emphasizing the importance of service to humanity. Founded the Sathya Sai Organization, which seeks to foster spirituality and service across various countries. Advocated for moral living and inner peace through teachings and communal activities.

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R. L. Burnside

American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
November 23rd, 1926 98 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2005 19 years ago — 78 years old

An influential figure in the Mississippi blues scene, this artist began performing in the 1950s and gained recognition in the 1990s. The musician blended traditional blues with contemporary styles, contributing significantly to the genre's evolution. A self-taught guitarist, this figure utilized raw and powerful vocal delivery, which resonated in his recordings and live performances. Albums released during the 1990s garnered attention, bringing traditional blues elements into a modern context. This artist's work inspired a new generation of musicians and reinforced the cultural significance of Mississippi blues.

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Tsung-Dao Lee

Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Born
November 24th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2024 0 years ago — 97 years old

A Chinese-American physicist, contributions included work in particle physics and the development of the theory of parity violation in weak interactions. This pivotal work established that certain physical processes are not symmetrical, leading to significant advancements in the understanding of fundamental forces. His collaboration with Chen-Ning Yang resulted in the formulation of concepts that reshaped the field and earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957. Lee has served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, influencing generations of physicists.

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Jeffrey Hunter

American actor in 'Star Trek'
Born
November 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1969 55 years ago — 42 years old

An actor and producer, gained prominence through multiple film and television roles during the mid-20th century. Featured in the iconic role of Captain Christopher Pike in the original 'Star Trek' series. Additionally starred in notable films such as 'King of Kings' and 'The Last Howl'. His contributions to the film industry spanned various genres and projects, showcasing a range of skills and characteristics on screen.

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Poul Anderson

American science fiction author
Born
November 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 75 years old

An acclaimed author in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Published numerous novels and short stories, contributing significantly to speculative fiction. Wrote the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel 'The Broken Sword', which integrated Norse mythology into a fantasy narrative. Known for combining hard science fiction with thorough world-building. Worked on several series, including the 'Flandry' series and 'Time Patrol' stories, influencing later writers.

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Ranganath Misra

Indian Chief Justice, constitutional jurist
Born
November 25th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
September 13th, 2012 12 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 21st Chief Justice of India from 1990 to 1991. Focused on legal reforms and the rights of marginalized communities. Played a significant role in various landmark judgments that shaped Indian jurisprudence. Contributed to the formulation of the National Commission for Backward Classes. Served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament.

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