What Happened This Year 1959

People Who Died in 1959

Irving Cummings

American actor and director of films
Born
October 9th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 71 years old

An actor and director, contributed to early cinema. Directed numerous films in the 1910s and 1920s, shaping the silent film era. Worked as an actor in productions like 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney' and 'The Stolen Jools.' Produced and directed several popular films during the transition to sound. Collaborated with various studios, establishing a reputation for innovative storytelling techniques in filmmaking.

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Frances Gertrude McGill

Forensic pathologist, forensic pioneer
Born
November 18th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 77 years old

A pioneering forensic pathologist in Canada, significant contributions were made to the field of forensic medicine. Education was pursued at the University of Western Ontario, where a medical degree was obtained in 1911. McGill became the first female forensic pathologist in Canada and served as the provincial pathologist for Saskatchewan. Advanced techniques in forensic investigations, particularly regarding the analysis of murder cases and suspicious deaths, were developed and implemented. In addition to work in pathology, McGill was an advocate for women's rights in medicine and contributed to various medical organizations.

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Balthasar van der Pol

Physicist and academic known for oscillation theory
Born
January 27th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 70 years old

Born in the Netherlands, a prominent physicist focused on electrical engineering and oscillation phenomena. Developed significant theories related to the behavior of electrical circuits and oscillators. Made contributions to the understanding of nonlinear oscillations, leading to applications in various fields. Served as a professor at the Technical University of Delft, influencing future generations of engineers and physicists through extensive research and teaching.

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