What Happened This Year 1958

People Who Died in 1958

Maurice Gamelin

Belgian-French military general
Born
September 20th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1958 66 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a general in the French Army during World War II, particularly during the early phases of the conflict. Held the position of Chief of the French Army between 1939 and 1940, leading military operations during the Battle of France. Oversaw defensive strategies against the German invasion in 1940. After the fall of France, faced criticism and was eventually removed from command. His military strategies and decisions during this period have been widely studied by historians.

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Frank Foster

Cricketer and England Test player
Born
January 31st, 1889 136 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 1958 66 years ago — 69 years old

An English cricketer, played as a right-handed batsman. Represented England in Test matches from 1921 to 1928. Played most of his first-class cricket for Essex. Captained England in several Test matches and achieved notable success during his career. Contributed significantly to the game as a player and later as a commentator.

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Jacob Fichman

Romanian-Israeli poet and critic
Born
November 25th, 1881 143 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1958 66 years ago — 76 years old

Born in Romania, a significant figure in Hebrew literature. Primarily active during the early 20th century, focused on poetry and literary criticism. Moved to Palestine in 1924 and contributed to the cultural scene. Engaged in promoting Hebrew poetry, playing a crucial role in the literary community. Worked as an editor and published various articles and essays on literature, emphasizing the importance of Hebrew in the literary world.

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Archie Scott Brown

Race car driver and engineer of BRM
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1958 66 years ago — 31 years old

A celebrated race car driver from Scotland, made significant contributions to motorsport in the 1950s. Competed in Formula One and achieved notable success with the British Racing Motors (BRM) team. Showed remarkable skill in both driving and engineering, with a keen focus on car performance and innovation. Brown's career was tragically cut short due to a fatal accident during a race. His legacy continues to influence motorsport enthusiasts and professionals.

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Ronald Colman

Actor in 'A Tale of Two Cities'
Born
February 9th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1958 66 years ago — 67 years old

Born in England, pursued a career in acting, moving to the United States in the 1910s. Achieved prominence in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s, starring in silent films and later transitioning to talkies. Gained acclaim for performances in classic films including 'A Tale of Two Cities', 'The Prisoner of Zenda', and 'Random Harvest'. Won an Academy Award for Best Actor for 'A Double Life' in 1948, solidifying a legacy in film history.

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Jadunath Sarkar

Indian historian and biographer
Born
December 10th, 1870 154 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1958 66 years ago — 87 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of history, focusing primarily on the Mughal Empire. Authored several foundational texts including 'History of Aurangzeb' and 'Rise and Fall of the Mughal Empire'. Served as a professor of history at the University of Calcutta, shaping the study of Indian history through rigorous methodologies. Developed a reputation as a leading scholar and critic of earlier historiography, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of India's past. Engaged in various academic pursuits and contributed to the establishment of history as a formal discipline in India.

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Juan Ramón Jiménez

Spanish poet and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1958 66 years ago — 77 years old

This individual was a notable Spanish poet and a prominent figure in the Spanish literary scene. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1956 for his lyrical poetry, which emphasized the beauty of nature and the essence of existence. His most recognized work, 'Platero y yo', is a prose poem depicting the bond between a man and his donkey, celebrated for its sensitivity and vivid imagery. The poet's work contributed significantly to 20th-century Spanish literature, and he spent notable periods of his life in both Spain and Puerto Rico, influencing poets and writers across generations.

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Robert Donat

English actor in classic films
Born
March 18th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1958 66 years ago — 53 years old

An acclaimed English actor. Achieved significant recognition during the 1930s and 1940s. Gained prominence for the role in the film 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' which showcased a teacher's life journey. Also performed in 'The Thirty-Nine Steps', a classic thriller that became associated with British cinema. His performances garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards.

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Angelina Weld Grimké

American poet and playwright of note
Born
1880 145 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1958 66 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent journalist, poet, and playwright, contributions significantly shaped African American literature in the early 20th century. Best remembered for the play 'Rachel,' which addressed racial injustices and brought attention to the struggles of the African American community. As an influential figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the works often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice, resonating with contemporary and future generations. Engaged in activism, emphasized the importance of art as a vehicle for change and advocacy for civil rights.

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