What Happened This Year 1980

People Who Died in 1980

Lil Dagover

Indonesian-German actress from 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari'
Born
September 30th, 1887 138 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 139 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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Isadora Bennett

Theatre manager and dance publicist
Born
July 21st, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 80 years old

Born in 1900, a notable figure in American theater management and modern dance publicity. Bennett managed various theater productions and played a significant role in promoting modern dance artists and performances. Her efforts contributed to the growth and popularity of modern dance in the United States during the early to mid-20th century.

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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 115 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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Jimmy Forrest

American saxophonist and band leader
Born
January 24th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 60 years old

This American saxophonist began his career in the 1940s, contributing to the evolution of jazz music. Renowned for the hit single 'Night Train', he collaborated with various artists and bands, showcasing a distinctive style that merged rhythm and blues with jazz influences. Some of his notable performances included playing with the legendary Louis Armstrong. In addition to performing, he recorded several albums throughout his career, solidifying his place in the jazz genre. Forrest's work continued to resonate within the music community even after his passing, influencing future generations of musicians.

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Hugh Watt

New Zealand Prime Minister and Engineer
Born
March 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 68 years old

An engineer and politician, held the position of Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1972 to 1975. Represented the Labour Party and served as a Member of Parliament for several terms. Played a significant role in governmental policies and public service during tenure. Engaged with infrastructure projects relevant to engineering and contributed to the development of educational facilities.

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Queenie Watts

Actress and singer in British television
Born
July 21st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 57 years old

Born in 1923, an English actress and singer became widely recognized for performances in the television series 'The Wackers' and 'EastEnders'. Career also included stage performances and contributions to music. Strong presence in British entertainment through various roles across multiple decades. Continued to perform until later in life, showcasing versatility in both acting and singing.

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