What Happened This Year 1936

Born in 1936

Seamus Mallon

Irish politician, Deputy First Minister
Born
August 17th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 84 years old

An educator and politician, served as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland from 1999 to 2001. Contributed to the peace process through the Good Friday Agreement. Played a key role in the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Advocated for equal rights and reconciliation efforts during a period of conflict.

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Margaret Heafield Hamilton

Computer Scientist and Software Engineer
Born
August 17th, 1936 88 years ago

A computer scientist and systems engineer, contributions to software engineering established standards for development in the field. Worked on the Apollo space program, where developed onboard flight software for the Apollo missions at NASA. Led the team that created the software for the Apollo Lunar Module, critical for landing astronauts on the Moon. Founded a software company that contributed to various projects in the aerospace industry and beyond.

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Robert Redford

American actor and director, The Sting
Born
August 18th, 1936 88 years ago

An American actor, director, and producer, this individual gained prominence through a film career that began in the 1960s. Breakthrough roles included performances in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Way We Were.' He directed acclaimed films such as 'Ordinary People,' which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. In 1980, founded the Sundance Institute, supporting independent filmmakers. This person also starred in 'The Sting,' which won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

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Richard McBrien

Theologian and author of Catholicism
Born
August 19th, 1936 88 years ago
Died
January 25th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

An American priest and theologian who taught at the University of Notre Dame for over three decades, specializing in Roman Catholic doctrine and history. Authored several influential books on Catholicism, including a widely used work simply titled 'Catholicism.' Contributed to various publications and served as a commentator on theological issues. Played a significant role in discussions around the Catholic Church's modern challenges.

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Hideki Shirakawa

Chemist, Nobel Prize winner for conductors
Born
August 20th, 1936 88 years ago

A prominent chemist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of conducting polymers. Conducted groundbreaking research in the 1970s that led to the discovery of a new class of conductive materials. Shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000 for innovation in the development of conductive polymers, particularly polyacetylene. Served as a professor at various academic institutions, furthering research and education in polymer science and engineering.

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Wilt Chamberlain

Basketball player and coach with 100-point game
Born
August 21st, 1936 88 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1999 25 years ago — 63 years old

Outstanding basketball player and coach recognized for exceptional performance on the court. Played for teams such as the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Accumulated numerous accolades during a prolific career including two NBA championships and four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Scored 100 points in a single NBA game on March 2, 1962, a record that remains unmatched. Transitioned to a coaching role after retirement, contributing to the sport in different capacities.

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Werner Stengel

Roller coaster designer, Maverick designer
Born
August 22nd, 1936 88 years ago

A prominent roller coaster designer and engineer, worked extensively on various thrill rides. Stengel's design philosophy emphasized safety and innovative features, contributing to the evolution of roller coaster engineering. His expertise led to the creation of several well-regarded attractions across amusement parks worldwide. Stengel's notable work includes the Maverick roller coaster located at Cedar Point in Ohio. Throughout a lengthy career, collaborated with various amusement parks and engineering firms, pushing the boundaries of coaster design.

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Chuck Brown

Singer-songwriter and musician
Born
August 22nd, 1936 88 years ago
Died
May 16th, 2012 12 years ago — 75 years old

A significant figure in the development of go-go music, a subgenre of funk. Originated in Washington, D.C. and played a critical role in popularizing the style throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Brown's signature sound combined funk rhythms with a strong emphasis on live percussion and audience participation. Recorded numerous albums, with standout tracks like 'Bustin' Loose' achieving considerable success. His influence extended to other artists and genres, seamlessly blending funk, R&B, and hip-hop elements in performances.

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Henry Lee Lucas

American convicted serial killer
Born
August 23rd, 1936 88 years ago
Died
2001 24 years ago — 65 years old

Active during the 1970s and 1980s, this individual confessed to numerous homicides across the United States, claiming to have killed hundreds. His confessions often proved to be unreliable, leading to widespread scrutiny regarding the validity of his claims. The individual was convicted for one murder and sentenced to life in prison. The confessions contributed to significant discussions on the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the investigative practices of law enforcement agencies during that time.

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