What Happened This Year 1959

People Who Died in 1959

Lock Martin

American actor in science fiction films
Born
October 12th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 43 years old

Started a career in acting in the 1950s. Gained prominence through a role as the title character in the 1951 science fiction film 'The Day the Earth Stood Still'. Prior to acting, worked as a person of large stature, contributing to the unique characters portrayed. Appeared in other films and television series that showcased this distinctive presence. Continued to work in film and television through the 1960s.

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Tshekedi Khama

Regent of the Bamangwato tribe
Born
September 17th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 54 years old

Served as regent of the Bamangwato tribe in Botswana during the mid-20th century. Took over leadership after the exile of the previous chief, offering guidance and stability to the tribe. Also engaged in politics, advocating for rights and representation for the Bamangwato people during the colonial period. Contributed to the preservation of tribal culture and traditions while navigating complex political landscapes.

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Maxwell Anderson

American journalist and playwright
Born
December 15th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 71 years old

Worked as a journalist and playwright, contributing to the American theatre scene in the early to mid-20th century. Anderson wrote over 25 plays, many of which received acclaim and were performed widely. His works often explored social issues and human experiences, merging elements of drama and poetry. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1933 for the play 'What Price Glory?' and continued to influence American theatre with works such as 'Mary of Scotland' and 'The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.'

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Rosa Lemberg

Choral conductor and teacher
Born
August 31st, 1875 149 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Namibia and later relocating to the United States, this individual made significant contributions to music education and choral conducting. After establishing a career in Finland, she settled in America, where participation in various cultural and educational initiatives helped to promote choral music. As a teacher, she influenced numerous students in her community, fostering a love for music and performance. Many of her choirs performed throughout the region, showcasing classical and contemporary works.

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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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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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