What Happened This Year 1960

People Who Died in 1960

Claro M. Recto

Filipino lawyer and politician
Born
February 8th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1890, a prominent lawyer, jurist, and politician in the Philippines. Served in the Philippine Senate during the mid-1900s, advocating for Philippine nationalism and sovereignty. Recto was a key figure in the drafting of several laws aimed at promoting education and social justice. He also held various roles in government, including serving as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. As an author, he contributed significantly to Philippine literature, and his works often reflected his nationalistic views. Known for his eloquence and strong stance against colonialism, Recto played a crucial role in shaping political discourse in the Philippines during his time.

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George Zucco

British actor known for horror films
Born
January 11th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1886, a British actor gained recognition for performances in the horror genre during the 1930s and 1940s. Appeared in significant films including 'The Cat and the Canary', 'The Mummy's Hand', and 'The Ghost of Frankenstein'. Delivered memorable portrayals that contributed to the success of numerous horror classics. His work often involved portraying sinister or villainous characters, establishing a reputation as a prominent figure in cinematic horror.

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Ernest Holmes

New Thought writer and religious thinker
Born
January 21st, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 73 years old

A significant figure in the New Thought movement, contributed to spiritual philosophy. Founded the Science of Mind movement, which combined elements of psychology with spiritual principles. Established the Centers for Spiritual Living, promoting positive thinking and self-empowerment through spiritual teachings. Authored numerous books, most notably 'The Science of Mind,' which outlined a comprehensive spiritual framework emphasizing the law of attraction and mental healing.

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Jan Zahradníček

Czech poet and prominent translator
Born
January 17th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1905, this individual contributed significantly to Czech literature as a poet and translator. His poetry often explored themes of spirituality and human experience. The works of this figure included influences from both Czech and international literature, and he translated many notable pieces from other languages into Czech. He was also involved in various literary movements, reflecting on the cultural and political landscapes of his time. His works remain a part of the Czech literary canon, and he is celebrated for his contributions to both poetry and translation, enriching the Czech language with his interpretations.

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Dadasaheb Torne

Indian director and producer
Born
April 13th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

A pioneer in Indian cinema, directed the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913. Also produced and directed numerous silent films, contributing significantly to the early development of the Indian film industry. Established the first Indian film studio, Maharashtra Film Company, which played a crucial role in film production during the silent film era.

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Vicki Baum

Austrian author, wrote 'Grand Hotel'
Born
January 24th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 72 years old

An Austrian author and screenwriter, created influential literary works during the early 20th century. Gained prominence for the novel 'Grand Hotel,' which later inspired a successful film adaptation. Explored themes of human connection and societal dynamics through storytelling. Contributed to the literary landscape with an adept understanding of character and setting, appealing to a wide audience.

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Jimmy Bryan

American race car driver and Indy 500 winner
Born
January 28th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 34 years old

Participated in the Indianapolis 500 from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Secured victory at the 1958 Indianapolis 500, contributing to a successful racing career. Competed primarily in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, achieving multiple race wins. Notable for his skill in open-wheel racing and influence on the sport.

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Ya'akov Cohen

Israeli linguist, poet, and playwright
Born
June 26th, 1881 143 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to Hebrew linguistics, poetry, and theater. Worked extensively on the promotion and development of the Hebrew language, including linguistic studies that advanced its structure and use. Authored numerous poems that explore themes of identity and culture, often reflecting the experiences of the Jewish community. His plays contributed to the Israeli theatrical landscape, blending modern themes with traditional motifs, and often addressed social issues pertinent to the time.

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Hugo Alfvén

Swedish composer and conductor of 'Midsommarvaka'
Born
May 1st, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1872, contributed significantly to Swedish music as a composer, conductor, and violinist. Alfvén's works includes orchestral music, operas, and choral pieces, with 'Midsommarvaka' being one of the most recognized. His style often reflected Swedish folk music, and he was also involved in painting. Alfvén held positions such as conductor of the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and contributed to the development of music education in Sweden. He was inducted into the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.

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