What Happened This Year 1938

Born in 1938

Ruud van Hemert

Dutch actor and director of TV series
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
July 5th, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old

Involvement in the Dutch entertainment industry spanned multiple roles including acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting. Worked on various television series and films, contributing significantly to the local film culture. Gained recognition for directing popular Dutch television series and films during a successful career. Contributions included writing and directing episodes that received acclaim and influenced future productions.

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H. John Heinz III

American politician and senator
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1991 34 years ago — 53 years old

Served as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1977 until his death in 1991. Focused on issues such as environmental protection, healthcare, and education during tenure in the Senate. Previously held a position in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977. Advocated for policies aimed at improving the quality of life for constituents.

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Anne Karin Elstad

Norwegian author and educator
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 4th, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old

An author with a strong focus on children's literature and young adult fiction. Worked as a teacher, influencing her approach to storytelling. Wrote several books, some of which explored themes of identity and societal issues. Several of these works are celebrated in Norwegian literature and have contributed to the national discourse on youth and education.

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Urs Widmer

Swiss author and playwright
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2014 11 years ago — 76 years old

An author and playwright from Switzerland, created a significant body of work reflecting contemporary Swiss society. Notable works include the novel 'The Green Meadow' and the play 'The Tin Drum,' which tackle themes of identity and cultural conflict. Engaged in literary circles, contributed to various cultural discussions and promoted the importance of literature in modern life. Worked as an editor and influenced future generations of writers.

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Fernand Goyvaerts

Belgian footballer, participated in World Cup
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 5th, 2004 21 years ago — 66 years old

A Belgian footballer specialized in the forward position, participated in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Played for several clubs including KSC Lokeren and RSC Anderlecht, contributing to the teams' successes during his career. Goyvaerts was known for his skill and tactical awareness on the pitch, showcasing a strong presence in Belgian football during the mid-20th century.

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Wojciech Leśnikowski

Architect and academic with notable designs
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
April 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 76 years old

An architect and academic contributed to various architectural projects and educational initiatives. Focused on Polish heritage and modern architecture, engaged in teaching at multiple institutions. Published works on architecture and urban planning highlighted the integration of traditional influences with contemporary design. Involved in community planning and architectural preservation efforts, significantly impacting local environments.

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Thomas M. Cover

Information theorist and author
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
March 26th, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old

Contributed significantly to information theory and statistical learning. Co-authored the influential textbook 'Elements of Information Theory' with Joy A. Thomas, which became a foundational text in the field. Served as a professor at Stanford University, where research focused on topics such as pattern recognition, data compression, and statistical inference. Engaged in work that explored the convergence of learning algorithms and information theory principles.

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Marien Ngouabi

Congolese politician, President of Congo
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1977 48 years ago — 39 years old

Born in 1932, a prominent figure in Congolese politics, served as the President of the Republic of the Congo from 1969 until his assassination in 1977. An advocate for Marxism-Leninism, implemented policies aimed at nationalization of industries and collectivization of agriculture. Played a significant role in the founding of the Congolese Workers' Party in 1969, fostering a one-party state. His leadership faced both domestic challenges and external pressures during the Cold War era, marking a pivotal time in the nation’s history.

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James C. Binnicker

American Sergeant in the military
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2015 10 years ago — 77 years old

Served as a sergeant in the United States military, participating in significant combat operations. Binnicker's service included a notable deployment during the Vietnam War, where he engaged in various missions and demonstrated leadership under challenging conditions. Contributions to military operations were recognized with multiple awards and commendations. After serving, Binnicker remained active in veteran affairs and community support initiatives.

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