What Happened This Year 1979

People Who Died in 1979

Jack Soo

Actor and singer in television and film
Born
October 28th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 62 years old

An American actor and singer, active primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. Featured in notable television series and films, including a role in the sitcom 'Barney Miller' as Detective Nick Yemana. Also performed in Broadway productions such as 'Flower Drum Song'. His career spanned various mediums, showcasing talents both in acting and singing. His contributions to television during its formative years highlighted the experiences of Asian Americans.

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Ted Cassidy

Actor, best known as Lurch
Born
July 31st, 1932 92 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 47 years old

An American actor and screenwriter, involved in film, television, and voice acting. Best recognized for portraying Lurch in the television series 'The Addams Family.' His deep voice and tall stature contributed to his unique roles in various projects. Also performed in 'Star Trek,' playing the character of the android Ruk. Career highlights include significant work as a voice actor, contributing to cartoons, including 'The Fantastic Four.'

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Phil Vincent

Engineer who founded Vincent Motorcycles
Born
March 14th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 71 years old

An English engineer and businessman established Vincent Motorcycles, offering innovations in motorcycle design and engineering. The company gained recognition for high-performance models like the Vincent Black Shadow during the mid-20th century. Commitment to quality and performance made the brand a prominent name in the motorcycle industry. Vincent played a crucial role in advancing motorcycle technology.

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Karl Anton

German director and screenwriter
Born
October 25th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 81 years old

A director and screenwriter active during the early to mid-20th century, contributed to the German film industry through various notable works. Directed films that integrated storytelling with visual artistry. Collaborated with prominent actors and was influential in the development of the film narrative style in Germany.

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Charles Coughlin

Radio host and priest with political influence
Born
October 25th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 88 years old

A Canadian-American Roman Catholic priest, gained prominence in the 1930s as a radio host, delivering weekly sermons that attracted a large national audience. Coughlin's broadcasts often addressed economic issues and social justice, blending faith with politics. Initially supportive of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, later criticized the New Deal and moved towards more controversial political positions, including populist and anti-Semitic rhetoric. In the later years of his career, faced backlash due to his extremist views and decreased influence over time. Continued to publish a newspaper until the late 1960s.

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Eileen Shanahan

Irish poet with significant works
Born
October 28th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 78 years old

Eileen Shanahan was an Irish poet recognized for her contributions to modern poetry. Primarily active in the 20th century, her works often explored themes of identity, nature, and human experience. Shanahan published several collections that garnered critical attention and highlighted her unique voice within the literary scene. Her poetry was characterized by its lyrical quality and deep emotional resonance, reflecting both personal and cultural narratives. Throughout her career, she engaged with various literary movements, contributing to the evolution of Irish poetry during her time. She remained an influential figure in Irish literature until her passing in 1996.

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Georgy Beriev

Engineer and aviation designer
Born
February 13th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 76 years old

An engineer of Georgian-Russian descent, played a significant role in aviation design by founding the Beriev Design Bureau, which focused on developing amphibious aircraft. This design bureau contributed to various notable models throughout its history and became recognized for innovations in aeronautics. The Beriev aircraft were utilized by both military and civilian sectors, addressing specific needs for versatility in different environments. The legacy of this engineer includes contributions to the fields of aviation and engineering through a dedicated focus on specialized aircraft designs.

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Dirk Stikker

Dutch politician and NATO Secretary General
Born
February 5th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 82 years old

A Dutch businessman turned politician, served as the 3rd Secretary General of NATO from 1961 to 1964. Held various roles in the Dutch government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and helped shape international policy during the Cold War. Stikker focused on building stronger ties among NATO member states and enhancing collective defense capabilities. His leadership emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing global security challenges.

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Ismail Nasiruddin of Terengganu

Fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia
Born
January 24th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 72 years old

Served as the fourth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1960 to 1965. His reign occurred during a period of significant national development and change in Malaysia. Prior to becoming Agong, held the position of Sultan of Terengganu and contributed to the administration of the state. Was involved in various ceremonial duties and took part in the country's constitutional monarchy.

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