What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Raoul Walsh

Actor and director of 'High Sierra'
Born
March 11th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1980 44 years ago — 93 years old

An American actor and director with a prolific career in the film industry. Started as an actor in silent films before transitioning to directing. Directed over 100 films throughout a career that spanned five decades. Created notable works in various genres, including westerns and film noir. 'High Sierra' served as a significant film that contributed to the rise of the film noir genre, featuring a young Humphrey Bogart. The career included collaborations with major studios and involvement in the development of early Hollywood.

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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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Gloria Guinness

Mexican journalist and socialite
Born
August 27th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 68 years old

Born in Mexico, a significant figure in journalism, contributed to various publications, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Also recognized for a vibrant social life and connections with prominent artists and writers. Provided commentary on cultural and political matters, focusing on the intersection of fashion and society. Developed a reputation for insightful reporting and commentary throughout the mid-20th century. Engaged in philanthropy and supported various causes, impacting the cultural landscape.

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Teresa Noce

Italian labor leader and journalist
Born
July 29th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Italy, became an influential labor leader, activist, and journalist. Advocated for workers' rights throughout the 20th century. Joined the Italian Communist Party and played a significant role in labor movements. Fought for social justice and women's rights in the workforce. Contributed articles and essays to various publications, shaping labor discourse.

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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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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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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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Isabel Briggs Myers

Psychologist and co-creator of MBTI
Born
October 18th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 83 years old

A theorist and author, developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) alongside her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs. This personality assessment tool gained widespread use in various fields such as psychology, education, and workplace settings. Contributed significantly to the understanding of personality types and individual differences. Worked to apply psychological principles to real-world situations through MBTI, influencing career counseling and personal development. Engaged in educational and organizational contexts to encourage understanding of personality dynamics.

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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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