What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Marshall McLuhan

Media theorist, wrote 'Understanding Media'
Born
July 21st, 1911 113 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1980 44 years ago — 69 years old

An influential media theorist and author, focused on the effects of media on communication and culture. Played a significant role in the study of media ecology and its impact on human perception. Introduced concepts such as 'the medium is the message' and 'global village'. Published seminal works including 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man' and 'The Gutenberg Galaxy'.

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James Wright

American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
December 13th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1927, a prominent American poet and academic, contributed extensively to contemporary poetry. Worked as a professor at various institutions, shaping the next generation of poets and writers. Notable for the ability to convey deep emotion and personal experience through succinct verses. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976 for the collection 'Halfway Through.' His works often explore themes of loss, memory, and redemption.

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David A. Johnston

Volcanologist and geologist
Born
December 18th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 31 years old

A volcanologist and geologist who contributed to volcanic research and monitoring. Conducted studies at Mount St. Helens prior to its eruptive activity in 1980. Provided critical insights into eruption forecasting and hazards. Tragically lost life during the catastrophic eruption, becoming a symbol of dedication in the field of volcanology.

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Tôn Đức Thắng

Second President of Vietnam
Born
August 20th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 92 years old

Served as the second President of Vietnam from 1969 until death in 1980. Played a significant role in the country's political landscape. Involved in the Vietnam War efforts and contributed to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Worked closely with other leaders in shaping the nation post-colonization. The presidency included overseeing significant political and social reforms during a tumultuous period in Vietnamese history.

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Ivan Triesault

American actor in film and television
Born
July 13th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Estonia, an actor immigrated to the United States where a career in film and television developed. Made appearances in notable productions such as 'The Killers' and the TV series 'The Twilight Zone'. The versatility allowed for roles across various genres, contributing to the entertainment landscape of the mid-20th century.

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Lil Dagover

Indonesian-German actress from 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'
Born
September 30th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 93 years old

Born in Indonesia and raised in Germany, this actress rose to prominence during the silent film era. She began her career in theater before transitioning to film, where she displayed her talent in various leading roles. One of the significant milestones in her career was her role in the influential horror film 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' in 1920, which became a landmark in cinema history. She continued to work in films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, contributing to the German film industry. With the rise of the Nazis, she fled Germany and eventually made her way to Hollywood, where she appeared in several films. Her career spanned several decades, showcasing her adaptability as an actress in both silent and talkie films.

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Wilf Copping

English footballer, played for Arsenal
Born
August 17th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 71 years old

Played as a defender and had a significant career in football. Started with the local club and joined Arsenal, where contributions helped the team secure league titles. Later, played for other clubs throughout the career, including an impactful tenure at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Represented the national team, showcasing skills on an international level during a competitive era in English football.

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Rube Marquard

Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer
Born
October 9th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 94 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1908 to 1925. Debuted with the New York Giants and gained prominence with the team. Recognized for an impressive pitching career, marked by significant strikeout totals and winning a record 19 consecutive games in 1912. Later managed several teams and contributed to the development of baseball.

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Rachel Roberts

Welsh actress with Oscar nomination
Born
September 20th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 53 years old

Born in Wales, contributed significantly to film and television during the late 20th century. Achieved prominence for performances in 'This Sporting Life' and 'The Running Man'. Garnered critical acclaim leading to an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the role in 'This Sporting Life'. Worked with notable directors and actors throughout a vibrant career, establishing a reputation in the industry.

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