What Happened This Year 1954

People Who Died in 1954

Duff Cooper

English politician and diplomat
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1954 71 years ago — 64 years old

Served as an English politician and diplomat, holding significant positions during and after World War II. Acted as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from 1940 to 1945. Contributed to foreign policy discussions and was involved in key political decisions of the era. Participated actively in the Conservative Party and was a member of Parliament for various constituencies. The career included the role of Minister of Information, focusing on propaganda and public communication during the war.

Continue Reading

Rabbit Maranville

Baseball player and manager, Hall of Famer
Born
November 11th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1954 71 years ago — 62 years old

Began professional baseball career in 1912 as a shortstop. Played primarily for the Boston Braves, contributing significantly to the team's success. Achieved Hall of Fame induction in 1954, recognizing a career spanning over two decades. Transitioned to coaching and managing after playing, influencing the game from the dugout.

Continue Reading

Chester Wilmot

Journalist and historian, author of 'The Struggle for Europe'
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1954 71 years ago — 43 years old

A journalist and historian specialized in World War II. Served as a war correspondent during the conflict, providing detailed reports from the front lines. After the war, wrote extensively about military history and politics. Authored 'The Struggle for Europe', a significant work analyzing the impact of World War II on post-war Europe. Worked with various media outlets, contributing to reports and publications that highlighted military strategies and historical events.

Continue Reading

Oscar Straus

Austrian composer of operettas
Born
March 6th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1954 71 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Vienna, a prolific composer contributed significantly to the operetta genre in the early 20th century. Works included well-received compositions that showcased wit and melody, blending traditional and contemporary styles. His notable operettas reflected the cultural zeitgeist of his time, capturing audiences across Europe. Resided in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime and fled to the United States. Continued to compose and perform throughout his life.

Continue Reading

Sydney Greenstreet

Actor from 'Casablanca' and 'The Maltese Falcon'
Born
December 27th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1954 71 years ago — 74 years old

An English-American actor, recognized for distinctive performances in film during Hollywood's Golden Age. Active mainly in the 1940s, portrayed memorable characters that showcased a commanding presence. Gained prominence through stage work prior to transitioning to film. Noteworthy for contributions to film noir and dramatic cinema, particularly in classic titles that have remained significant within the genre. Continued to act until the early 1950s, leaving a lasting legacy in the film industry.

Continue Reading

Fred Root

English cricketer and cricket umpire
Born
April 16th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1954 71 years ago — 63 years old

Root played for Northamptonshire from 1919 to 1939, contributing significantly to the team's success in county cricket. Transitioning to umpiring after his playing career, he became a first-class umpire from 1948 until his death. His expertise in the game was recognized during his tenure as an umpire, where he officiated in various important matches. Root's influence on the sport extended through both playing and officiating.

Continue Reading

Warren Bardsley

Cricketer with Australian test career
Born
December 6th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1954 71 years ago — 71 years old

Played cricket for Australia from 1909 to 1926, primarily as an opening batsman. Accumulated over 3,200 runs in Test matches, with a highest score of 192. Had a successful domestic career with New South Wales, holding the record for most runs in a season. Was pivotal in numerous series victories, contributing to the team's competitiveness during the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Edwin Howard Armstrong

Engineer, inventor of FM radio
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1954 71 years ago — 64 years old

An American engineer and inventor, contributed significantly to the field of radio technology. Innovated frequency modulation (FM) radio, which provided higher fidelity sound and improved clarity over amplitude modulation (AM) radio. Invented and patented various technologies, including the superheterodyne receiver. The work in radio transmission laid the foundation for modern broadcasting and communications.

Continue Reading

Hella Wuolijoki

Author and politician from Estonia-Finland
Born
July 22nd, 1886 138 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1954 71 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Estonia, transitioned to Finland and became a prominent author and politician. Active in political life during the interwar period, contributed significantly to Finnish literature with works that reflected the cultural and political landscape of the time. After the Second World War, engaged in activities promoting Finnish cultural identity. Played a notable role in leftist politics, aligning with socialist ideologies and advocating for workers' rights. Wuolijoki's literary contributions included plays and novels that explored themes of identity, societal issues, and personal experiences.

Continue Reading