What Happened This Year 1941

Born in 1941

Leonard Riggio

Bookseller, founder of Barnes & Noble
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
August 27th, 2024 0 years ago — 83 years old

Established a bookstore in 1965 that evolved into Barnes & Noble, transforming the company into the largest bookseller in the United States. Played a crucial role in expanding the chain and adapting to the digital age, including the launch of the Nook e-reader. Contributed to the revival of the independent bookstore through his investments and advocacy for reading.

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Michael Hartnett

Irish poet and author of 'The Wave'
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1999 25 years ago — 58 years old

An Irish poet, focused on themes of culture, language, and identity. Hartnett published several notable works during his career, exploring the intersection of Irish and English linguistic heritage. His poetry often reflected personal experiences and the socio-political landscape of Ireland. He contributed to contemporary poetry through collections such as 'The Wave' and 'Raging Winds'. Hartnett also worked on translations, particularly of works from the Irish language, promoting the revival of this cultural heritage.

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Billy Hardwick

Bowler and PBA champion
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 16th, 2013 11 years ago — 72 years old

Achieved significant success in professional bowling, earning multiple championships throughout a notable career. Secured the 1969 ABC American Bowling Congress championship, showcasing exceptional talent in the sport. Competed regularly in the Professional Bowlers Association tour, and held a prominent position in bowling history.

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Mark Poster

Philosopher and educator in media studies
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
October 10th, 2012 12 years ago — 71 years old

An influential philosopher and educator in the field of media studies. Contributed significantly to the understanding of the implications of media on culture and politics. Authored several important texts including 'The Second Media Age' which examined the impact of digital technology on communication. Focused on issues related to globalization, postmodern theory, and the complexities of identity in the media age. Engaged in discussions around the effects of the Internet on society and culture, shaping the discourse on new media and its societal implications.

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Alexander Ragulin

Ice hockey player and Olympic champion
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2004 20 years ago — 63 years old

Played as a defenseman in ice hockey, primarily for the Soviet national team. Contributed to the team's success in multiple international competitions throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Participated in four Olympic Games from 1956 to 1972, securing gold medals in 1964 and 1968. Also played for CSKA Moscow, becoming one of the team’s standout players during the Soviet Championship era. Regarded as a skilled and reliable defender, he left a lasting legacy in Russian ice hockey.

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Ray Jackson

Australian activist for Aboriginal rights
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

An activist focused on Aboriginal rights and recognition. Played a significant role in raising awareness about the struggles faced by Indigenous Australians. Co-founded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972, representing the ongoing fight for land rights and sovereignty. Advocated for justice and equality throughout his life, participating in various campaigns and demonstrations that aimed to address the issues affecting Aboriginal communities. His work contributed to the ongoing dialogue and activism surrounding Indigenous rights in Australia.

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Ray Tomlinson

Computer Programmer, Inventor of Email
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2016 9 years ago — 75 years old

A computer programmer and engineer made significant contributions to computer networking and communication. Developed the first networked email system in 1971, allowing the sending of messages between users on different computers. Utilized the '@' symbol to separate the user's name from the computer name, a convention still used today. Worked on the ARPANET project, which served as the precursor to the modern Internet.

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Jeannie Epper

Stuntwoman in Hollywood action films
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2024 1 years ago — 83 years old

An accomplished stuntwoman and actress, contributions spanned several decades in the film industry. Gained recognition for work in various action films including ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Die Hard’. Participated in high-profile productions, showcasing expertise in stunts and fight choreography. Worked alongside notable actors and filmmakers, establishing a reputation in Hollywood. Achievements included performing stunts for prominent lead actors, making a significant mark in the stunt community. In addition to stunts, also acted in various television shows, further diversifying contributions to the entertainment industry.

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Emily Squires

American director and producer
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
November 21st, 2012 12 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed to television and theater as a director and producer. Worked on notable productions such as the TV series 'The Twilight Zone' and directed multiple episodes of 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. Developed a distinguished career with a focus on television programming, particularly in the realm of women's narratives. Provided opportunities for female writers and directors in a male-dominated industry. Engaged with numerous projects that spanned over several decades, demonstrating a commitment to storytelling and production excellence.

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