What Happened This Year 1955

Born in 1955

Jack Morris

Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
May 16th, 1955 69 years ago

One of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball, played 18 seasons from 1977 to 1994. Achieved significant success with the Detroit Tigers, helping the team secure a World Series championship in 1984. Notable for his performance in the 1991 World Series, where pitched a 10-inning shutout in Game 7, leading the Minnesota Twins to victory. Transitioned to a career as a sportscaster, providing analysis and commentary for various networks.

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Bill Paxton

Actor in Titanic and Aliens
Born
May 17th, 1955 69 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2017 8 years ago — 61 years old

An American actor and filmmaker, recognized for performances in significant films and television series. In the film 'Aliens', played the role of Private Hudson, delivering memorable lines and contributing to the movie's cult status. Starred in 'Titanic' as Brock Lovett, participating in a major box office success. Appeared in the television series 'Big Love' as Bill Henrickson, showcasing a powerful performance across multiple seasons. Directed the film 'Frailty', which received critical acclaim. Garnered a reputation for versatility across genres, from action to drama.

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Chow Yun-fat

Hong Kong actor in Crouching Tiger
Born
May 18th, 1955 69 years ago

Born in Hong Kong, an actor and screenwriter gained prominence in the Hong Kong film industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Starred in numerous action films, developing a reputation as a leading figure in the genre. Achieved international recognition through roles in films such as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', which won multiple Academy Awards, and 'The Killer'. His performances contributed significantly to the rise of martial arts cinema in mainstream film. In addition to film, engaged in television work, particularly in the series 'Veteran Cops'.

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James Gosling

Computer Scientist, Created Java Programming
Born
May 19th, 1955 69 years ago

Born in 1955, a computer scientist developed the Java programming language while working at Sun Microsystems. Java became a widely used programming language that facilitated web applications and software development across various platforms. This language's design emphasizes portability, security, and simplicity. The language has retained popularity due to its applicability in server-side applications, mobile applications, and large-scale enterprise systems.

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Zbigniew Preisner

Composer known for film scores
Born
May 20th, 1955 69 years ago

A composer from Poland, known for creating iconic film scores, particularly for the works of director Krzysztof Kieślowski. Notable collaborations include scores for the 'Three Colors' trilogy ('Blue', 'White', 'Red') and 'The Decalogue', a series of ten one-hour films that explore moral themes based on the Ten Commandments. Preisner's music is characterized by its emotional depth and orchestral richness, and he often blends classical elements with contemporary styles. He gained recognition for his ability to enhance the narrative of films through his compositions.

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Stan Lynch

Drummer and songwriter for Tom Petty
Born
May 21st, 1955 69 years ago

Lynch was a drummer and songwriter active in the rock music scene. He played a significant role as the drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 1976 to 1994. The collaboration featured multiple albums that contributed to the band's success in the music industry. After leaving the band, Lynch pursued a career in producing and songwriting, contributing to various projects and artists.

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Iva Davies

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Icehouse
Born
May 22nd, 1955 69 years ago

An Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist gained recognition as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the rock band Icehouse. The band achieved significant success in the 1980s with their hit single 'Great Southern Land' and the album 'Primitive Man'. The sound blended new wave styles with rock influences, contributing to the Australian music scene. Throughout the career, numerous awards were received, including ARIA Awards celebrating achievements in the music industry. Solo work included contributions to soundtracks and other musical projects.

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Luka Bloom

Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
May 23rd, 1955 69 years ago

Born in 1955, this individual emerged as a prominent figure in the contemporary folk music scene. The music career began in the 1970s, initially performing under a different name before adopting a new stage persona. By the 1990s, gained significant recognition for melodic guitar work and heartfelt songwriting. Albums such as 'Riverside' and 'Between the Earth and Sky' highlighted themes of love, nature, and personal reflection. The artist's unique blend of traditional Irish music with modern folk influences contributed to a loyal following across Ireland and beyond.

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Rosanne Cash

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, 'Seven Year Ache'
Born
May 24th, 1955 69 years ago

An American singer-songwriter and guitarist emerged in the 1970s and gained recognition for contributions to the country and pop music genres. Released several albums that combined traditional country sounds with contemporary influences. Achieved commercial success with hits like 'Seven Year Ache' and 'Tennessee Flat Top Box'. Received multiple Grammy Awards for musical excellence, showcasing a prolific writing ability and vocal talent. The exploration of personal themes and storytelling contributed to a significant body of work throughout a lengthy career in the music industry.

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