What Happened This Year 1958

People Who Died in 1958

Tyrone Power

American actor in classic films
Born
May 5th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1958 66 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1914, this American actor became a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Rising to stardom with his roles in swashbuckling adventure films, he starred in several significant works, including 'The Mark of Zorro' and 'Blood and Sand'. Power was also recognized for his performances in dramatic films, such as 'The Razor's Edge'. Renowned for his striking good looks and charismatic presence, he became a leading actor of his time, captivating audiences. His career was cut short by his untimely death in 1958, leaving a lasting legacy in film history.

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Mort Cooper

Baseball player, All-Star pitcher
Born
March 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1958 66 years ago — 45 years old

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1938, Cooper played as a right-handed pitcher primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved All-Star selection in 1942 and led the National League in wins in 1942 and 1943. Contributed significantly to the Cardinals' success during the early 1940s, including participation in the 1942 World Series championship team. His pitching prowess helped solidify his reputation in the league before retiring in 1945.

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Mel Ott

Baseball player and Hall of Famer
Born
March 2nd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1958 66 years ago — 49 years old

Played professional baseball as a right fielder for the New York Giants from 1926 to 1947. Managed the Giants for part of the 1948 season. Worked as a sportscaster after retiring from playing. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951, recognized for a prolific career and a significant number of home runs at a time when the game was dominated by pitchers.

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Nikolaos Georgantas

Greek discus thrower, Olympic medalist
Born
1880 145 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 1958 66 years ago — 78 years old

Competed in athletics, specializing in discus throw. Achieved notable success at the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, winning a gold medal in the discus event. Additionally, participated in the 1908 London Olympics, where formidable competition characterized the event. His performance contributed to the early reputation of Greek athletes in field events.

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Robert Cecil

English lawyer and politician, Nobel laureate
Born
September 14th, 1864 160 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1958 66 years ago — 94 years old

Served as an English lawyer and politician. Held the position of Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Contributed significantly to disarmament efforts during and after World War I. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1937 for work in the League of Nations and promoting world peace.

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Artur Rodziński

Conductor, led major orchestras
Born
January 1st, 1892 133 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1958 66 years ago — 66 years old

Born in Poland, pursued a music career in America. Conducted renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Regarded for innovative interpretations and championing new works. Played a significant role in shaping American orchestral music during the mid-20th century.

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Hubert Wilkins

Explorer and aviator of the Arctic
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
November 30th, 1958 66 years ago — 70 years old

An Australian pilot, ornithologist, geographer, and explorer. Conducted significant expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Made notable contributions to aviation and map-making during the early 20th century. Led a pioneering flight over the Arctic Ocean from Europe to North America, showcasing the potential for aerial exploration. Explored the Subantarctic islands and engaged in scientific research on wildlife and climate.

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Elizabeth Peratrovich

Civil rights activist for Alaska Natives
Born
July 4th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
December 1st, 1958 66 years ago — 47 years old

A civil rights activist advocated for the rights of Alaska Natives. Instrumental in the passage of the Alaska Discriminatory Practices Act of 1945, which prohibited discrimination based on race and ethnicity in Alaska. Played a crucial role in raising awareness of the struggles faced by Native Alaskans and pushed for equal treatment in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Worked with organizations to elevate the status of Indigenous peoples and fought against racism and discrimination in local communities.

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Tris Speaker

Baseball player and manager with a .345 batting average
Born
April 4th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1958 66 years ago — 70 years old

Birth occurred on April 4, 1888. Played Major League Baseball primarily as a center fielder. Had a long career spanning from 1907 to 1928. Achieved significant success with the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. Accrued over 3,500 hits and led the league in batting average multiple times. Managed the Indians after his playing career and led them to a pennant in 1948.

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