What Happened This Year 1957

People Who Died in 1957

Dudley Benjafield

English racing driver and Le Mans winner
Born
August 6th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent racing driver, excelled in the early 20th century. Competed successfully in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Bentley. Contributed to the popularity of endurance racing in the UK during that time. Participated in various racing events and gained recognition for skill and speed on the track.

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Eugenio Castellotti

Italian race car driver, Mille Miglia winner
Born
October 10th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 27 years old

Active in the 1950s, this race car driver achieved notable success in the sport, particularly with Ferrari. Competing in the Mille Miglia, won the event in 1954, showcasing speed and skill. Participated in several Formula One races during the early years of the championship, driving for Ferrari and Maserati. Tragically, a fatal accident occurred during a race in 1957, ending a promising career at a young age.

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Josef Lada

Czech painter and illustrator of children's books
Born
December 17th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1887, a Czech painter and illustrator contributed significantly to the field of children's literature. Primarily recognized for the vibrant illustrations accompanying classic Czech fairy tales, this artist cultivated a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and charming characters. His artwork frequently depicted rural life in Czechia, reflecting local traditions and customs. Lada also created illustrations for various publications, enhancing the visual appeal of stories and educational materials. The legacy persists through the continued popularity of his enchanting illustrations in children’s literature.

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Gus Schilling

American actor in The Big Broadcast
Born
June 20th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 49 years old

Active in the entertainment industry during the mid-20th century. Gained recognition for performances in film and television. Featured prominently in the comedy genre, often appearing in comedic roles alongside notable peers. Participated in several productions that contributed to the landscape of American entertainment during that era.

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Leslie Hore-Belisha

English politician, Secretary of State for War
Born
September 7th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 64 years old

Served as a British politician actively involved in the government during the late 1930s. Took on the role of Secretary of State for War from 1940 to 1941, overseeing military organization and reforms in preparation for World War II. Introduced the concept of the 'Belisha Beacon,' street safety measures for pedestrians, enhancing road safety across the UK. His term was characterized by efforts to modernize the British Army and improve facilities for troops.

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Wilhelm Filchner

German-Swiss Arctic explorer and geographer
Born
September 13th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 80 years old

An explorer focused on polar regions, conducted significant research in Antarctica and the Arctic. Led an expedition to Antarctica from 1911 to 1912, mapping areas previously unexplored. Contributed to the understanding of glacial movements and ice formations. His expeditions provided valuable data for future polar research.

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Dennis Brain

English horn player and orchestral musician
Born
May 17th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 36 years old

An accomplished English horn player, recognized for extraordinary performances in classical music. Gained prominence as a leading soloist during the mid-20th century. Played with prestigious ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded several celebrated works and collaborated with famed composers and conductors. Contributed to the popularity of the English horn through recordings and live performances, showcasing its unique sound.

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Christian Dior

Fashion designer, founded Christian Dior S.A.
Born
January 21st, 1905 121 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 52 years old

A leading figure in the fashion industry, played a pivotal role in post-World War II fashion. Established the fashion house Christian Dior in 1946, which revolutionized women's attire through innovative designs and silhouettes. Launched the 'New Look' in 1947, characterized by a fitted waist and full skirt, which significantly influenced women's fashion for decades. Contributed to the global recognition of French haute couture and inspired future generations of designers.

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Paweł Owerłło

Polish actor in early cinema
Born
September 12th, 1869 156 years ago
Died
1957 69 years ago — 88 years old

A prominent figure in the early Polish film industry, contributions spanned from the inception of cinema in Poland to the establishment of significant film productions. Acted in foundational films that shaped the landscape of Polish cinema in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Participated in numerous roles that showcased the evolving art form, setting the stage for future actors in the industry.

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