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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Ruth Aarons

table tennis player and manager, champion
Born
June 11th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 62 years old

Achieved global recognition as a champion table tennis player. Secured the women's singles title at the World Table Tennis Championships in 1950. Played an influential role in promoting the sport, serving as a manager and mentor for upcoming players. Contributed to the growth and development of table tennis in the United States through active participation and leadership in various national events.

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Dorothy Blum

Computer Scientist and Cryptanalyst
Born
February 21st, 1924 101 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 56 years old

Born in 1924, a computer scientist and cryptanalyst contributed significantly to the field of cryptography during her career. In the 1940s, worked on the development of programming techniques for early computers. Later, focused on cryptanalysis efforts during World War II, aiding in the design and implementation of cryptographic systems. Contributed to the understanding of code breaking and information security.

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Edward Wilfred Taylor

British businessman and entrepreneur
Born
April 29th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 89 years old

A businessman from the United Kingdom, played a significant role in the development of the textile industry. Established a successful company that specialized in textile manufacturing and innovation. Contributed to the growth of the economy during the early to mid-20th century through industrial advancements and strategic business practices.

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E. J. Bowen

British physical chemist and researcher
Born
April 29th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physical chemistry. Conducted research focused on polymer science and molecular structure. Worked on the behavior of gases and the nature of chemical bonds. Published numerous papers that advanced understanding in these areas and influenced future studies in physical chemistry.

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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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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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Julio de Caro

Argentinian violinist and tango composer
Born
December 11th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent figure in the Argentine tango scene, a violinist and composer contributed significantly to the genre during the early 20th century. Established a successful career as a conductor and bandleader, leading various orchestras. Instrumental in popularizing the tango in concert halls and throughout Argentina. Participated in the development of the tango orchestration style, blending traditional elements with innovative arrangements.

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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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