What Happened This Year 1966

People Who Died in 1966

Alfred Neuland

Weightlifter and Olympic competitor
Born
October 10th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 71 years old

Estonian weightlifter represented Estonia at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Competed in the lightweight category and achieved significant recognition for performances in international competitions. Contributed to the popularization of weightlifting in Estonia during the early 20th century. Was an influential figure in the sports community in Estonia throughout his career.

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Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler

Mathematician specializing in topology
Born
May 5th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of topology and made advancements in differential equations. Worked as a professor at several institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley. Published numerous papers that explored the foundations of topology and its applications. Played a critical role in expanding the educational opportunities for women in mathematics and encouraged female students to pursue mathematical studies.

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Narcisa de Leon

Filipino film producer and actress
Born
October 29th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1877, a film producer and actress in the Philippine cinema industry. Co-founded the first major film production company in the Philippines, Lvn Pictures, in 1939. Contributed significantly to the development of local cinema. Produced several notable films that showcased Filipino culture and stories. Also acted in various films during the early years of the Philippine film industry.

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Marguerite Higgins

American journalist and author
Born
September 3rd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 45 years old

An American journalist and author, this individual gained prominence during the Vietnam War. The journalism career included reporting for the New York Herald Tribune, covering both World War II and the Korean War. Authored 'War in Korea: The Report of a Woman Combat Correspondent,' which documented experiences of combat. Contributed to the coverage of significant global events, becoming one of the first women to report from the front lines.

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Thelma Terry

Bassist and bandleader, American jazz
Born
September 30th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 65 years old

A prominent American bassist and bandleader, contributed significantly to the development of jazz music. Played with various ensembles and led her own bands. Gained recognition for performances in the 1920s and 1930s. Recorded notable works that showcased talent and innovation within the jazz genre. Pioneered the role of women in jazz music, influencing future generations.

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Hannes Kolehmainen

Finnish-American long-distance runner
Born
December 9th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Finland, became prominent in long-distance running during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics, winning three gold medals in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and cross-country. Additionally excelled in road racing events, gaining recognition for innovative training methods. Migrated to the United States, where continued to promote athletics and inspired future generations of runners.

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Howard Kinsey

American tennis player and tournament champion
Born
December 3rd, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 67 years old

Competed primarily in the 1920s and 1930s in tennis, achieving notable success in both singles and doubles play. Achieved significant victories in various tournaments, including winning the U.S. National Championships in 1929. Also excelled in doubles, securing titles at prestigious events. Contributed to the growth of tennis during this era.

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Georgia Douglas Johnson

American poet and playwright
Born
September 10th, 1880 145 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, authored several volumes of poetry including "The Heart of a Woman" and plays that explored African American life and experiences. Engaged in literary societies and worked to promote the arts, providing a platform for Black writers. Contributed to various anthologies of the time, reinforcing the significance of African American literature.

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Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor

Journalist and National Geographic editor
Born
October 28th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
1966 60 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1875, a prominent journalist and editor served as the first editor of National Geographic Magazine. The role spanned from 1899 to 1954, during which the magazine's scope and readership expanded significantly. Contributed to making photography an integral part of the publication, elevating its status in the world of journalism. Grosvenor also played a key role in guiding the National Geographic Society's mission and growth during his tenure.

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