What Happened This Year 1971

People Who Died in 1971

Maurice McDonald

Businessman, co-founder of McDonald's
Born
November 26th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
December 11th, 1971 53 years ago — 69 years old

Co-founded the fast-food chain McDonald's with brother Richard McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, California. Developed the Speedee Service System, which revolutionized the restaurant industry and set a standard for fast-food operations. Expanded McDonald's into a global franchise, creating a significant impact on food service and dining culture. Retired from day-to-day operations in the 1960s.

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Munier Choudhury

Bangladeshi author and playwright
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1971 53 years ago — 46 years old

An influential figure in Bangladeshi literature, contributed significantly through plays, essays, and criticism. Explored themes of identity, culture, and politics within the context of the Bengali liberation struggle. A prominent playwright, worked on notable plays such as 'Kabar' and 'Muktijuddher Itihas'. His works addressed social issues and historical contexts, reflecting the socio-political scenario of Bangladesh. The legacy includes a commitment to cultural expression and intellectual discourse.

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Shahidullah Kaiser

Bangladeshi journalist and author
Born
1927 98 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1971 53 years ago — 44 years old

Contributed significantly to journalism and literature in Bangladesh during the 20th century. Wrote critically about issues faced by the country and emphasized the importance of language and culture. His works often reflected the socio-political climate of the time. Involved in the Bengali nationalist movement, faced persecution for his views. Tragically, died during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

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Paul Lévy

Mathematician and theorems in probability
Born
September 15th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1971 53 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to probability theory included foundational work on stochastic processes and Brownian motion. Developed concepts that bear his name, such as Lévy processes. Served as a professor at the Collège de France and influenced the field through published works. In addition, introduced Lévy-Cramér theorem and Lévy continuity theorem, impacting theoretical and practical applications in mathematics.

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Bobby Jones

Golfer, co-founder of The Masters
Born
March 17th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1971 53 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent amateur golfer and lawyer, contributed significantly to the sport in the early 20th century. Won the Grand Slam in 1930, a feat that involved winning all four major golf championships in a single calendar year. Co-founded The Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, one of the most prestigious golf events in the world. Also involved in the establishment of the Augusta National Golf Club, which remains a key venue in professional golf.

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Diana Lynn

American actress in film and television
Born
July 5th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1971 53 years ago — 45 years old

Born in 1926, this American actress gained recognition during the 1940s and 1950s. She starred in films and television, making a significant mark in the entertainment industry. Notable works include 'The Major and the Minor' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'. Also featured in popular television shows, she showcased versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her career spanned multiple decades, contributing to her status in cinema.

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Roy O. Disney

Businessman and co-founder of Disney
Born
June 24th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1971 53 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent American businessman, co-founded The Walt Disney Company alongside his brother. His contributions were pivotal in shaping the early direction of the company, which went on to become a major player in the entertainment industry. He focused on the financial aspects of the business, ensuring operational success and expansion. Under his leadership, the company created iconic works such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Disneyland, which set the stage for future ventures. Roy O. Disney played a crucial role in establishing the Disney brand as a household name in entertainment, fostering relationships that contributed to the company's growth and innovation.

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Godfried Bomans

Dutch television host and author
Born
March 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1971 53 years ago — 58 years old

Born in the Netherlands, a prominent figure in Dutch literature and television, focused on children's literature and television programming. Achievements include hosting various cultural programs and engaging audiences with entertaining educational content. Additionally, authored several books that contributed to Dutch literature, notably in the genre of fantasy and stories for young readers. The popularity extended to radio, where engaging storytelling was a hallmark. Emphasis on the importance of literature in education characterized much of the work.

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Max Steiner

Film composer for classic Hollywood scores
Born
May 10th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1971 53 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Austria, a composer and conductor made significant contributions to the film industry. Immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century and became a pivotal figure in the development of film music. Created scores for over 300 films, shaping the sound of classic Hollywood. Worked extensively with Warner Bros. and contributed to many iconic films. Received multiple Academy Awards for achievements in scoring, solidifying a legacy as one of the founders of film orchestration.

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