What Happened This Year 1931
Born in 1931
Roger Penrose
A prominent physicist, mathematician, and philosopher, contributions include work on general relativity and cosmology. Developed the Penrose diagram, aiding in the understanding of black holes and the nature of spacetime. Received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery that black hole formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity. Also made significant contributions to mathematical physics, including the Penrose tiling, which demonstrates a non-periodic tiling pattern. Penrose's scholarly work has influenced various fields, including mathematics and theoretical physics, inspiring further research and exploration.
Continue ReadingChuck Essegian
Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and had a brief stint with the Kansas City Athletics. Notably, participated in the 1959 World Series while with the Dodgers. Transitioned to a successful career in law after retiring from professional baseball.
Continue ReadingMário Zagallo
A renowned football coach and former player from Brazil, contributions to the sport span decades. As a player, participated in the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups, winning both. Transitioned to coaching, where achieved significant success, leading the Brazilian national team to win the 1970 FIFA World Cup. Later coached in various countries, including Portugal and Brazil's national teams, as well as club teams. Recognized for tactical acumen and the ability to develop young talent within the sport.
Continue ReadingJames Freeman Gilbert
Contributed to the field of geophysics with a focus on seismology and tectonics. Served as a professor and was deeply involved in academic research. Published numerous papers on seismic waves and earthquake modeling. Played a vital role in advancing the understanding of the Earth's structure and seismic activity.
Continue ReadingPaula Kent Meehan
Co-founded the haircare brand Redken in 1960, transforming the beauty industry with innovative products and marketing strategies. Developed a strong focus on scientific research in haircare, leading to significant advancements in professional hair products. Built a successful brand that became synonymous with quality and expertise in hair salons across the United States. The brand was later acquired by L'Oréal in 1993, further expanding its reach globally.
Continue ReadingTom Laughlin
An American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to film in the 1960s and 1970s. Created and starred in the 'Billy Jack' series, which highlighted social issues and showcased martial arts. Directed the films and incorporated his own philosophy of peace and justice within the narratives. The character of Billy Jack became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with audiences seeking change during a tumultuous era. Engaged in various filmmaking projects, using his platform to express personal beliefs and viewpoints on societal matters.
Continue ReadingWilliam Goldman
An American author, playwright, and screenwriter. Crafted prominent screenplays and novels, receiving acclaim for works in film and literature. Achieved success in both mediums, showcasing a talent for storytelling. Wrote the screenplays for notable films such as 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'All the President's Men.' Authored the novel 'The Princess Bride,' which was adapted into a successful film. Received two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay. Influenced the field of screenwriting with a focus on character depth and narrative structure.
Continue ReadingFrederic Raphael
An American journalist, author, and screenwriter achieved prominence in the literary and film industries. Contributed to various publications, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, providing insights and critiques on culture and politics. Expanded into screenwriting, co-writing the screenplay for the acclaimed film 'Darling' which earned an Academy Award nomination. Authored numerous novels and memoirs, showcasing a breadth of storytelling. His works often reflected personal experiences and historical contexts, resulting in a notable literary career.
Continue ReadingRichard F. Heck
A prominent chemist, contributions focused on palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Developed the Heck reaction, which facilitated the formation of carbon-carbon bonds in organic synthesis. Held academic positions at the University of Delaware and other institutions, mentoring many students in the field of chemistry. Received significant recognition for work that transformed organic chemistry techniques.
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