What Happened This Year 1928

Born in 1928

Alice Drummond

American actress in film and theater
Born
May 21st, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 88 years old

An actress with a career spanning several decades, gained recognition for roles in film and theater. Appeared in the film 'Awakenings' alongside Robin Williams. Played a recurring role in the television series 'Law & Order'. Made significant contributions to stage productions and worked extensively off-Broadway. Received praise for her performances, showcasing versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.

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T. Boone Pickens

Business magnate and energy investor
Born
May 22nd, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1928, a businessman focused on the energy sector, made a significant impact in the oil and gas industry. Founded Pickens Fuel Corporation and established the hedge fund BP Capital. Advocated for the use of natural gas as an energy source. Played a key role in the development of the natural gas industry and supported a variety of philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and health.

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Nina Otkalenko

Russian middle-distance runner
Born
May 23rd, 1928 96 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2015 9 years ago — 86 years old

Competed in middle-distance running events, achieving notable success in her athletic career. Participated in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, where she represented the Soviet Union. Excelled in events such as the 800 meters and was recognized for her speed and endurance on the track. Contributed to the development of women’s athletics in her country during a period of significant growth in the sport.

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Rosemary Clooney

American singer and actress in White Christmas
Born
May 23rd, 1928 96 years ago
Died
June 29th, 2002 22 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent singer and actress, rose to fame in the 1950s with a successful music career. Gained significant popularity through the iconic Christmas song 'White Christmas' and starred in the movie of the same name alongside Bing Crosby. Clooney's smooth vocal style and engaging performances made her a mainstay in the entertainment industry. In addition to her music and film career, she had a notable presence on television, appearing in her own show in the 1960s. Clooney's contributions to music and film have left a lasting legacy.

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Nigel Davenport

English actor in 'Chariots of Fire'
Born
May 23rd, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 85 years old

An English actor, prominent in film, television, and theater. Career spanned several decades from the 1950s. Appeared in films such as 'Chariots of Fire' and 'The Hill', showcasing a range of roles from supporting characters to leads. On television, featured in series including 'The Power Game' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Received acclaim for theatrical performances, particularly in classics and adaptations.

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Jack Kevorkian

Pathologist and assisted suicide advocate
Born
May 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 2011 13 years ago — 83 years old

A pathologist and author, contributed to the euthanasia debate in the United States. Developed a machine known as the 'Mercitron' to assist terminally ill patients in self-administering lethal doses of medication. Conducted over 130 assisted suicides during the 1990s, bringing significant media attention to the topic. Wrote several books discussing the ethics of assisted suicide. Faced legal challenges, resulting in a 1999 murder conviction and a prison sentence that ended in 2007.

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Thea Musgrave

Composer and educator with operatic works
Born
May 27th, 1928 96 years ago

A Scottish-American composer and educator, contributions to contemporary classical music are significant. Multiple operas were composed, including 'Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed That Line to Freedom' and 'The Voyage'. Held academic positions at institutions such as the University of California and also served as Composer-in-Residence for the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal. Most compositions reflect a blend of orchestral storytelling and dramatic narrative, showcasing unique musical styles and techniques.

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Sally Forrest

American actress and dancer in films
Born
May 28th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 86 years old

An American actress and dancer, contributed to the film industry during the 1940s and 1950s. Gained recognition for performances in musicals and dramatic roles. Appeared in the 1953 film 'The Wild One' alongside Marlon Brando and was featured in 'Inner Sanctum' series. Engaged in dance and theater productions, showcasing talent in both film and live performances. Later transitioned to television, featuring in various series and guest appearances. Continued to work in acting until retirement, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

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Freddie Redd

Jazz Pianist and Composer, 'Shades of Redd'
Born
May 29th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 93 years old

An American jazz pianist and composer contributed significantly to the jazz scene, particularly in the bebop and hard bop styles. Redd gained attention for the 1960 album 'Shades of Redd', which highlighted his unique composition style and piano skills. In addition to recording, performances at various jazz clubs established a reputation within the jazz community. Collaborations with other prominent musicians enriched the jazz repertoire during a vibrant era for the genre.

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