What Happened This Year 1981

People Who Died in 1981

Ken Barrington

English cricketer, Test match batsman
Born
November 24th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 51 years old

Played first-class cricket for Surrey and represented England in Test matches. Made contributions as a prominent batsman during the 1950s and 1960s. Accumulated over 6,000 runs in Test cricket and achieved several centuries. Known for a solid technique and ability to play against strong bowling attacks. Played a pivotal role in England's series against Australia in the Ashes.

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Ava Helen Pauling

American humanitarian and activist
Born
December 24th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1903, a notable humanitarian and activist focused on nuclear disarmament and peace advocacy. Worked alongside husband Linus Pauling to promote international peace and disarmament efforts. Joined various organizations, including the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, advocating for social justice and civil rights. Engaged in campaigns against nuclear testing and contributed to the establishment of the World Peace Movement.

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Adriaan Pelt

Dutch journalist and diplomat
Born
May 8th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1892 in the Netherlands, this journalist and diplomat played a significant role in international relations during the 20th century. He began a career in journalism, providing insights on various political issues. This individual served in several important diplomatic positions, representing Dutch interests abroad. Contributing to both journalism and diplomacy allowed for a unique perspective on international affairs.

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Phiroze Palia

Indian cricketer and first-class player
Born
September 5th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 71 years old

Played first-class cricket for Mumbai from 1935 to 1951. Represented India in international matches during the early years of Indian cricket. Contributed significantly to Mumbai's cricketing success in domestic competitions. Was part of the team that won the Ranji Trophy multiple times.

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Marcel Breuer

Architect, designed Ameritrust Tower
Born
May 21st, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Hungary, an architect and academic became a significant figure in modern architecture. Breuer studied at the Bauhaus and later taught there before emigrating to the United States. He gained recognition for innovative furniture designs, particularly the Wassily Chair, which highlighted modernist aesthetics. Breuer designed several notable structures, including the UNESCO building in Paris and the St. John's Abbey in Minnesota. The Ameritrust Tower in Cleveland stands as a testament to his architectural vision.

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Archie Weston

American football player and journalist
Born
June 9th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 86 years old

One of the early figures in professional American football, contributed significantly to the sport during the 1920s. Played as a guard for the Frankford Yellow Jackets and earned recognition for performance on the field. Transitioned into journalism, where coverage of sports became a hallmark of career. Covered various aspects of sports, bringing insights from firsthand experience to writing.

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Margaret Lindsay

American actress with notable film roles
Born
September 19th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1910, this actress gained recognition in the Hollywood film industry during the 1930s and 1940s. A prominent figure at Warner Bros., she starred in several popular films, including 'Body and Soul' and 'The Case of the Curious Bride'. Her performances showcased a range of characters and contributed to her reputation. Throughout her career, she also appeared in numerous theater productions, solidifying her presence in the performing arts.

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Ella T. Grasso

Governor of Connecticut, first woman governor
Born
May 10th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 62 years old

Elected as the governor of Connecticut in 1974, she served until 1980. Grasso was the first woman in the United States to be elected governor without succeeding a husband. Prior to her governorship, she held various political positions, including a seat in the Connecticut House of Representatives and as Secretary of the State of Connecticut. During her tenure as governor, she focused on issues such as health care, social welfare, and economic growth. Her leadership style and political achievements have been recognized as pioneering for women in politics.

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Ariel Durant

American historian and author of books
Born
May 10th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to historical literature through co-authorship of a comprehensive multi-volume work on Western civilization. Collaborated with a spouse to produce 'The Story of Civilization,' which covered various aspects of history from ancient times to the 19th century. Engaged in academic pursuits and lectured on history, sharing insights into cultural and social developments throughout different eras. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of contributions to education and literature.

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