What Happened This Year 1959

People Who Died in 1959

Kafū Nagai

Japanese author and playwright
Born
December 3rd, 1879 145 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 80 years old

An author and playwright contributed significantly to Japanese literature during the early 20th century. Involved in the literary movement of the Taishō period, focused on the themes of modernity and urban life in Tokyo. Works often explored complex human emotions and the tension between tradition and modernity. His writing style was characterized by its poetic language and detailed observations of urban society. Authored several acclaimed novels and plays, with a notable emphasis on the lives of individuals navigating the changing societal landscape of Japan.

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Jean Grémillon

French director and screenwriter
Born
October 3rd, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 58 years old

Born in France, focused on filmmaking in the 20th century. Directed notable films including 'Lumière d'été' and 'Le ciel est à vous'. Worked in various capacities in the French film industry as a director, composer, and screenwriter. Contributed significantly to the development of French cinema during and after World War II. Influenced later generations of filmmakers with innovative narrative techniques and visual style.

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John Gunn

Australian politician, 29th Premier
Born
December 16th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 29th Premier of South Australia from 1930 to 1933. Focused on economic recovery during the Great Depression and advocated for public works. Led initiatives for education and infrastructure improvements in the state. Promoted social welfare and workers' rights during tenure as Premier.

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Sara Prinsep

British salon organiser and hostess
Born
August 16th, 1816 208 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 143 years old

An influential salon organiser in 19th century Britain. Played a key role in fostering literary and artistic discussions among notable figures of the time. Hosted gatherings that included prominent writers, artists, and thinkers, contributing to the cultural landscape of the period. Maintained a correspondence with various intellectuals, facilitating the exchange of ideas. Built a reputation for being a central figure in the intellectual society of her era.

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Francis de Miomandre

French author and translator
Born
May 22nd, 1880 144 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1880, this individual was a prominent French author and translator. He contributed significantly to literature through original works and translations of classical literature. Notable literary achievements include contributions to magazines and literary journals, which showcased his writing prowess. Engaging with various cultural themes, he explored the influence of language and literature on society. His translations made key texts accessible to French readers, enriching the literary landscape. He was also associated with literary circles in France, further establishing his reputation within the literary community.

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Max Gerson

Physician known for Gerson Therapy
Born
October 18th, 1881 143 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 78 years old

German-born American physician developed a dietary-based treatment for cancer and other chronic diseases, known as Gerson Therapy. This method emphasized organic foods, raw juices, and detoxification. Gerson published several books detailing his theories and practices, including 'A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases.' His approach garnered a following among alternative medicine advocates and sparked controversy within the medical community.

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Collie Smith

Jamaican cricketer with Test match success
Born
May 5th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 26 years old

A cricketer represented Jamaica and the West Indies in international matches. Made a notable impact in Test cricket during the 1950s. Achieved significant success as a fast bowler and middle-order batsman. Played in 12 Test matches from 1955 to 1963, contributing to the team's competitive edge during that era. Recorded impressive performances against various international teams, solidifying a reputation as a skilled player in the sport.

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Aleksandr Khinchin

Mathematician and academic
Born
July 19th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 65 years old

Contributions were primarily in probability theory and number theory. Developed the Khinchin's theorem in 1924, which concerns the distribution of the sums of independent random variables. Worked on continued fractions and contributed to the study of the foundations of mathematics. Held academic positions in several institutions, including Moscow State University.

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Tochigiyama Moriya

Japanese sumo wrestler, 27th Yokozuna
Born
February 2nd, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 67 years old

Born in Japan, this sumo wrestler achieved the prestigious rank of Yokozuna, the highest in the sport. Competing during the early 20th century, this athlete earned recognition for his skill and power in the ring. With a career that spanned over a decade, he showcased his abilities and contributed to the popularity of sumo wrestling in Japan. His style and technique provided a template for future wrestlers in the sport.

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