What Happened This Year 1971

People Who Died in 1971

Royal Rife

Microbiologist and inventor of Rife machine
Born
May 16th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed to microbiology and alternative medicine by developing the Rife machine, which purportedly could treat various diseases by using electromagnetic frequencies. Conducted research into the link between viruses and diseases and proposed theories on the existence of specific viruses responsible for multiple ailments. Established a series of experiments demonstrating the effects of frequency on microorganisms. Although his work faced skepticism from the medical community, it inspired later developments in alternative therapies and frequency-based treatments.

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John McDermott

American golfer, U.S. Open champion
Born
August 12th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 80 years old

This golfer was the first player to win the U.S. Open in 1911 and again in 1912. Competed professionally in the early 20th century and made significant contributions to the sport during a formative period. His victories established a legacy in American golf and set a precedent for future generations of players. He was also a member of the professional golf circuit and often participated in exhibitions and tournaments throughout his career. His influence extended beyond his playing days, as he continued to engage with the sport.

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Leonard W. Murray

Canadian admiral and naval leader
Born
June 22nd, 1896 128 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1896, a distinguished admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy served during World War II. Commanded the Canadian Naval Forces in the Battle of the Atlantic and played a critical role in the formulation of naval strategy. Contributed to the establishment of the post-war Canadian Navy's structure and operations, emphasizing modernization and readiness. Held several significant posts, including Chief of the Naval Staff, where leadership guided the navy through a transformative period of development.

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Godfrey Huggins

Prime Minister of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
Born
July 6th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 88 years old

Held the position of Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963. Offered significant political leadership during the federation's existence, emphasizing economic development and self-governance. Represented the United Party and was involved in various discussions concerning the future of the federation amid growing nationalistic sentiments. Pushed for changes in policy as tensions rose leading to the dissolution of the federation.

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Beatrice Kerr

Australian swimmer and diver
Born
November 30th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 84 years old

Achieved success in competitive swimming and diving. Competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, contributing to Australia's early Olympic presence in aquatic sports. Represented Australia in various national and international competitions throughout the early 20th century, demonstrating skill in freestyle swimming and platform diving.

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Robert Lowery

American actor in film and television
Born
October 17th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1913, an American actor played significant roles in numerous films from the 1940s to the 1960s. Appeared in over 100 movies and television shows, contributing to the golden age of Hollywood. Gained recognition for performances in serials and westerns, particularly in 'Batman' (1943) and 'The Ranger and the Lady' (1940). Worked on various projects alongside noteworthy actors and directors, establishing a solid reputation within the film industry.

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Helene Weigel

Austrian-German actress in theatre
Born
May 12th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 71 years old

One of the prominent figures in German theater, Weigel gained recognition for her extensive work in both acting and directing. Collaborating with renowned playwright Bertolt Brecht, she contributed to the development of the Berliner Ensemble, where she played key roles in several of Brecht's plays. Her performances brought intellectual depth and emotional resonance to the stage. Throughout her career, Weigel embraced avant-garde theatrical techniques and focused on social issues in her work, influencing the landscape of modern theater. In addition to her theatrical endeavors, her film appearances also added to her legacy, with notable works during the German cinema's post-war period.

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John Desmond Bernal

Crystallographer and physicist
Born
May 10th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 70 years old

Contributions to the field of crystallography led to significant advancements in understanding molecular structures. Played a crucial role in the early use of X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze crystals, particularly in biological sciences. Important in the development of theoretical frameworks that guided later research in structural biology. Contributed to various scientific communities through publications and collaborations.

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Igor Tamm

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 8th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 76 years old

A physicist contributed significantly to the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion. Collaborated with Andrei Sakharov on the development of the Soviet hydrogen bomb. Authored numerous scientific papers and made key advancements in plasma physics. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for work on controlled fusion and plasma research.

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