What Happened This Year 1956

People Who Died in 1956

Herminio Masantonio

Argentinian Footballer and Goal Scorer
Born
August 5th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 46 years old

Masantonio played primarily as a forward in Argentine football. He spent the majority of his career at Huracán, where he gained recognition for his goal-scoring ability. Masantonio contributed to the team's success, helping Huracán secure the Primera División title in 1940. During his tenure, he became a prominent figure in the club's history, showcasing his skills and artistry on the field. Known for his striking prowess, he left a lasting legacy at Huracán before his retirement in 1949.

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Yakub Kolas

Belarusian writer and poet
Born
November 3rd, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent Belarusian writer and poet, engaged in the depiction of rural life and social issues. Contributed significantly to Belarusian literature with a focus on folk culture and national identity. Works often highlighted the struggles of ordinary people and the beauty of the Belarusian countryside. Active in the early 20th century, Kolas became a pivotal figure in the development of modern Belarusian literature.

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Hermann Abendroth

German conductor and orchestral leader
Born
January 19th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1883, this conductor had a significant influence on orchestral music during the 20th century. Initially trained in musicology, conducting began at an early age. Conducted numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic. His interpretations of works by composers such as Beethoven, Wagner, and Bruckner received considerable attention. Conducted for various opera houses, contributing to the advancement of operatic performances. Served as the principal conductor of the WDR Sinfonieorchester for many years. Additionally, he made contributions to music education, influencing future generations of musicians.

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David Seymour

Polish photographer, war photojournalist
Born
November 20th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 45 years old

A photographer gained recognition for work documenting the aftermath of World War II and the plight of refugees in Europe. Co-founded the Magnum Photos agency in 1947, which played a significant role in the evolution of photojournalism. Photographed notable figures such as Pablo Picasso and Albert Camus, providing insight into the cultural landscape of the time. Major projects focused on the daily lives and conditions of children affected by war, particularly in Poland.

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Maria Filotti

Greek-Romanian actress in theater
Born
October 9th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1883 in Romania, this actress gained prominence in theatrical productions, showcasing remarkable talent in classical roles. A graduate of the Academy of Dramatic Art in Bucharest, she was particularly celebrated for performances in plays by Ibsen, Shakespeare, and Romanian playwrights. Her dedication to the craft earned her critical acclaim throughout her career, especially in the early to mid-20th century. In addition to stage work, she also appeared in several films, reinforcing her stature as a leading figure in Romanian cinema during her time. She continued to influence aspiring actors until her passing in 1958.

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Ravishankar Shukla

Indian lawyer and Chief Minister of MP
Born
August 2nd, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 79 years old

Served as the first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh after Indian independence. Played a pivotal role in shaping the early governance of the state. Involved in politics for several decades, contributing to legal and educational reforms. Engaged in efforts to promote social welfare and development within the region.

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Juan Negrín

Spanish politician, 67th Prime Minister of Spain
Born
February 3rd, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 64 years old

A physician and politician, held the position of 67th Prime Minister of Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Led the Spanish government in exile after the war, working to maintain the republican cause. Advocated for international support for the Spanish Republic and sought to coordinate anti-fascist efforts across Europe. Entered politics in the 1930s and played a crucial role in organizing the medical services for the Republican Army. Contributed to various policies aimed at modernizing Spain's healthcare system.

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Charlie Taylor

American engineer and mechanic
Born
May 24th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 88 years old

Early in the 20th century, a significant role was played in the development of the first heavier-than-air flying machine. Contributions included the design and construction of the engine for the Wright brothers' aircraft, which enabled the first successful powered flight in 1903. Later, Taylor was integral in the development of the Wright Model B, which achieved further advancements in aviation technology. Taylor also established the first aircraft repair shop in the United States, further contributing to the aviation industry.

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Alex Raymond

Cartoonist, creator of Flash Gordon
Born
October 2nd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent cartoonist, significant contributions included the creation of the comic strip Flash Gordon in 1934. The strip quickly gained popularity for its space opera themes and dramatic storytelling. Raymond's artwork showcased detailed illustrations and dynamic action scenes, influencing the science fiction genre in comics. He also worked on other projects, including the comic strip Jungle Jim and contributions to various comic book series. Raymond's work has had a lasting impact on the comic book industry and inspired numerous adaptations in film and television.

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