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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Victor Sen Yung

American actor in 'Bonanza'
Born
October 18th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 65 years old

An American actor prominent in the mid-20th century, best recognized for his role as Hop Sing in the television series 'Bonanza'. His career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television shows, often portraying characters of Asian descent. In addition to his acting, he had notable engagements in the film industry, which included roles in classic movies such as 'The Hatchet Man' and 'The Good Earth'. He also appeared in various other television series that showcased his versatility as a performer.

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Pyotr Masherov

Leader of Soviet Belarus
Born
February 26th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 62 years old

Held leadership positions in Soviet Belarus starting in the 1960s. Served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Belarus and was a significant figure in the Belarusian government. Contributed to the region's industrial and agricultural development during his tenure. Was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Died in a car accident in 1976 during a period of political and economic change.

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Bette Nesmith Graham

Inventor of Liquid Paper correction fluid
Born
March 23rd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 56 years old

An American inventor developed a correction fluid called Liquid Paper in the 1950s. Initially created to assist in correcting typing errors during her time as a secretary, the product gained significant popularity in office environments. Founded a company to market Liquid Paper and successfully expanded distribution. The product became a staple for typists and writers, leading to widespread use in schools and businesses. The success of Liquid Paper contributed to her financial independence and established a legacy in office supplies.

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Tim Hardin

Folk singer-songwriter and musician
Born
December 23rd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 39 years old

An influential folk singer-songwriter and musician emerged in the 1960s, contributing to the genre with a distinctive voice and poignant lyrics. Hardin's songwriting gained attention and was covered by various artists, showcasing the emotional depth of his work. Hardin recorded several albums, with significant acclaim for his self-titled debut. His most notable songs include 'If I Were a Carpenter' and 'Reason to Believe', which became popular through covers by other artists. Struggling with personal demons, Hardin's career was marked by periods of instability but left a lasting imprint on the folk music scene.

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Max Miedinger

Swiss Typeface Designer, created Helvetica
Born
December 24th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 70 years old

A Swiss typeface designer was instrumental in the development of the Helvetica typeface in 1957. The design of Helvetica was commissioned by the Haas Type Foundry in Switzerland, where it quickly gained popularity for its clean and modern aesthetic. This typeface became widely adopted in various forms of media and design, influencing typography in advertising, signage, and business communications. Miedinger's contribution to type design extended beyond Helvetica, as he created several other typefaces and laid the groundwork for contemporary graphics and typography principles.

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Richard Gurley Drew

Engineer, inventor of masking tape
Born
June 22nd, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

An American engineer, this individual invented masking tape while working for 3M in the 1920s. The invention was designed to allow for better paint lines during painting and eventually led to the development of various adhesive products. The innovative product gained widespread use in homes, industries, and automotive applications. The invention's impact on both the professional painting and DIY markets was significant, as it provided a solution for cleaner paint application and helped streamline the painting process.

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Billy Butlin

Businessman, founder of Butlins resorts
Born
September 29th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

A businessman established a chain of holiday camps in the United Kingdom, providing affordable vacation options for families. The first camp opened in 1938 in Skegness, which marked the beginning of a successful enterprise that expanded to include several locations. Butlin's vision aimed to create a fun and enjoyable environment for guests, offering various leisure activities and entertainment options. The brand quickly became synonymous with family holidays, catering to millions throughout its operation. The business grew significantly, especially during the post-war years when domestic tourism boomed in Britain.

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Ibn-e-Safi

Author and poet of detective fiction
Born
July 26th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 52 years old

An Indian-Pakistani author and poet, contributed significantly to the Urdu literature scene. Created the popular detective fiction series featuring characters such as Inspector Jamshed and the fictional detective group, the 'Daredevils'. His works combined elements of crime, adventure, and romance, captivating readers across both India and Pakistan. Produced several novels and short story collections, gaining a substantial following for narrative style and engaging plots.

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