What Happened This Year 1968

People Who Died in 1968

Ellis Kinder

Baseball player for Boston Red Sox
Born
July 26th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
October 16th, 1968 56 years ago — 54 years old

A professional baseball player with a primary focus on pitching. Played in Major League Baseball from 1945 to 1953, representing teams including the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox. Achieved significant success as a starting pitcher, contributing to the performance of his teams during his career. Notably played a crucial role in the pitching rotation for the Red Sox during multiple seasons, demonstrating consistency on the mound.

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Bud Flanagan

English actor and screenwriter
Born
1896 129 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1968 56 years ago — 72 years old

An English actor and screenwriter contributed significantly to the entertainment industry during the early to mid-20th century. Active in theatre and film, gained prominence with roles in comedic performances and notable screenwriting endeavors. Additionally, performed as part of the comedy duo Flanagan and Allen, which enjoyed widespread popularity in music halls and films.

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Lise Meitner

Physicist involved in nuclear fission
Born
November 7th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
October 27th, 1968 56 years ago — 89 years old

Austrian-Swedish physicist contributed to nuclear physics and radioactivity. Participated in the discovery of nuclear fission, a process that led to the development of nuclear energy and atomic bombs. Worked alongside Otto Hahn in Berlin before fleeing to Sweden during the rise of the Nazi regime. Contributed to scientific research at the Manne Siegbahn Institute. Despite being overlooked for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Hahn in 1944, continued to be recognized for contributions to physics throughout later years. Held various academic positions and contributed to scientific literature until death.

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Rose Wilder Lane

Journalist and author of Little House series
Born
December 5th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1968 56 years ago — 81 years old

An American journalist and author, contributed significantly to literary and political thought in the early 20th century. Co-authored the 'Little House' series with Laura Ingalls Wilder, capturing pioneer life through vivid storytelling. Worked as a political columnist and was involved in the libertarian movement, promoting individualism and free-market capitalism. Also wrote several novels and essays that reflected personal beliefs and experiences in America.

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Conrad Richter

American novelist and journalist
Born
October 13th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1968 56 years ago — 78 years old

A significant figure in American literature, contributed extensively to the genre of historical fiction. Explored themes related to life in the early American frontier and the experiences of settlers. Published several acclaimed novels, with a distinctive style that blended realism with poetic prose. Achieved recognition for works that highlighted the struggles and resilience of ordinary people. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1951 for the novel 'The Town'. Regarded for a body of work that provides insight into the American experience.

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Ramon Novarro

Actor known for 'Ben-Hur' and 'The Student Prince'
Born
February 6th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1968 56 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Mexico, Novarro became a significant figure in early Hollywood, transitioning from silent films to talkies. Gained prominence in the 1925 film 'Ben-Hur,' where his performance received acclaim. Portrayed leading roles in several films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including 'The Student Prince,' which showcased his singing abilities and reinforced his status as a popular star of the era. Apart from acting, directed several films during his career. Novarro's contributions to cinema reflected the changing tastes of audiences in the early 20th century.

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Georgios Papandreou

Prime Minister of Greece during WWII
Born
February 13th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1968 56 years ago — 80 years old

A lawyer and economist, served as the 162nd Prime Minister of Greece. Held office during a critical period of World War II, facing significant challenges related to the occupation of Greece. Engaged in political activity prior to and following the war, contributing to the discussions on democracy and governance in Greece. Also served as the mayor of Athens, advocating for urban development. His political career spanned several decades, influencing post-war policies.

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Vern Stephens

Baseball player and All-Star shortstop
Born
October 23rd, 1920 104 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 1968 56 years ago — 48 years old

Played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball from 1941 to 1952. Teams included the St. Louis Browns, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox. Participated in the 1948 All-Star Game. Achieved a career batting average of .286 and amassed over 1,500 hits. Contributed to the success of his teams both offensively and defensively during his career.

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Chauncey Sparks

American politician and Governor
Born
1884 141 years ago
Died
November 6th, 1968 56 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the 41st Governor of Alabama from 1939 to 1943. Focused on economic development and infrastructure improvements during the governorship. Engaged in political activities for many years prior, contributing to local and state political landscapes. Advocated for education reform and agricultural policies.

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