What Happened This Year 1960

People Who Died in 1960

Margaret Sullavan

American actress in classic films
Born
May 16th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1960 65 years ago — 50 years old

Acclaimed American actress, notable for performances in the 1930s and 1940s. Starred in films such as "The Shop Around the Corner" and "Three Comrades." Also appeared in "The Moon's Our Home" and "The Good Fairy." Sullavan was recognized for her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in "The Shop Around the Corner." Sullavan's career was marked by her work on Broadway, where her stage presence garnered attention.

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Albert Camus

French philosopher and Nobel laureate
Born
November 7th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1960 65 years ago — 46 years old

A prominent novelist, philosopher, and journalist, this individual played a significant role in 20th-century literature and philosophy. Best known for works that explore themes of absurdism and existentialism, significant publications include 'The Stranger' and 'The Myth of Sisyphus'. Active during the French Resistance against Nazi occupation, contributions to political thought are also evident. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 for writings marked by a deep concern for human rights and justice. This individual’s elaborate essays and novels inspired many intellectual circles.

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Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers

Tennis player and coach, Wimbledon champion
Born
September 3rd, 1878 146 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1960 65 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent tennis player and coach, achieved significant success in the early 20th century. Won the Women's Singles title at Wimbledon multiple times between 1903 and 1914. Contributed to the development of tennis as a sport, both as a competitor and as a coach empowering future players. Involved in the establishment of women's tennis competitions and helped to promote the sport during a period of considerable change and growth.

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Elsie J. Oxenham

Author of children's literature
Born
November 25th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1960 65 years ago — 79 years old

An English author and educator, contributed significantly to children's literature in the early 20th century. Best recognized for a series of books featuring girls' schools, particularly the Abbey School series. Many stories revolved around themes of friendship, adventure, and growing up. The works often reflected values of camaraderie and resilience, appealing to young readers of the time. In addition to writing, also engaged in educational pursuits, promoting literacy and education among children.

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Jack Laviolette

Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Born
July 17th, 1879 145 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1960 65 years ago — 80 years old

Played as an ice hockey player and later transitioned to coaching and managing hockey teams. Contributed to various teams within the National Hockey League (NHL). Served as a head coach for multiple teams and was recognized for building competitive rosters. Development of strategies and training programs influenced player performance during the early years of the NHL.

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Nevil Shute

English engineer and author of novels
Born
January 17th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
January 12th, 1960 65 years ago — 60 years old

An English engineer and author, became notable for writing several bestselling novels that explored themes of human endurance and societal challenges. Wrote the acclaimed novel 'On the Beach', which depicted a post-apocalyptic world. Founded an aircraft company and worked on wartime engineering projects. Relocated to Australia later in life, where much of the literary work was produced.

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Edwin Fischer

Pianist and conductor, renowned for recordings
Born
October 6th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
January 24th, 1960 65 years ago — 73 years old

A distinguished pianist and conductor emerged from Switzerland, contributing significantly to the classical music scene. Renowned for interpretations of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert, achieved acclaim through concert performances and recordings. Established a reputation as a conductor with various prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. Founded the Swiss Festival Orchestra, enhancing the cultural landscape of classical music. Fischer's interpretations and recordings have been influential in shaping the perception of classical piano and orchestral works during the 20th century.

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Diana Barrymore

American actress in film and theater
Born
March 3rd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
January 25th, 1960 65 years ago — 38 years old

An American actress achieved recognition in film and theater during the 1940s and 1950s. She began her career on stage before transitioning to film, where she gained acclaim for her performances. Her notable films included "The Duchess of Idaho" and "The Mad Doctor." Throughout her career, struggles with personal issues led to intermittent work, yet her talent was evident in several memorable roles. Despite challenges, she left a mark in the industry during her active years.

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Zora Neale Hurston

American novelist and folklorist
Born
January 7th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1960 65 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, this novelist and folklorist contributed significantly to American literature through the exploration of African American culture. The work represents the experiences and challenges faced by Black individuals in early 20th century America. Writings often incorporated rich dialects and vivid depictions of life in the South. The acclaimed novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, remains a central work, highlighting themes of love and self-discovery.

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