What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Hans Hüttig

German SS officer during WWII
Born
April 5th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 86 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II, participating in various military operations. Played a role in the administrative and logistical support for the Nazi regime. Hüttig's involvement included various functions directly related to the SS and its operations, contributing to the mechanisms of the regime's policies.

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Amir Elahi

Pakistani cricketer from the 1950s
Born
September 1st, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 72 years old

An accomplished cricketer, featured prominently in the early years of Pakistan's national cricket team. Played first-class cricket, contributing significant performances that helped establish the team's prominence in international cricket. Competed in various domestic leagues and represented regions in Pakistan, with his skills as an all-rounder being especially valued during matches.

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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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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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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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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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Dilipkumar Roy

Bengali musician and musicologist
Born
January 22nd, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 83 years old

A significant figure in Bengali music, contributions spanned musicology and literature. Established the first university department of music in India, promoting the study of traditional music. Also engaged in writing novels, poetry, and essays, reflecting a deep understanding of cultural and musical heritage. Works often emphasized the importance of Bengali folk traditions and classical music forms.

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Ralph Jordan

American football coach and player
Born
September 25th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent football figure, he played as a halfback at Auburn University from 1929 to 1932. Transitioning into coaching, he served as the head coach for Auburn from 1951 to 1962, leading the team to significant victories. His tenure included guiding the Tigers to the 1957 SEC Championship and an undefeated season, culminating in a national title by some polls. After retiring from coaching, he played a crucial role in advancing the program and served in various administrative capacities.

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