What Happened This Year 1984

People Who Died in 1984

Cecil M. Harden

American politician and congresswoman
Born
November 21st, 1894 130 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1984 40 years ago — 90 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives during the 83rd Congress. Represented Indiana's 5th congressional district from 1953 to 1955. Represented the Republican Party and was part of significant legislative discussions during her term. Engaged in various community projects and initiatives throughout her political career.

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LeeRoy Yarbrough

Race car driver with NASCAR success
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1984 40 years ago — 46 years old

Achieved significant success in NASCAR during the 1960s. Won the 1969 Daytona 500, one of the premier events in American stock car racing. Secured victories in the Grand National series, finishing second in the championship standings in 1968. Competed for several teams including Junior Johnson & Associates and recorded multiple wins in various NASCAR events. Yarbrough's racing career was marked by numerous achievements before he retired from racing in the 1970s.

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Razzle

English rock drummer, Mötley Crüe
Born
December 2nd, 1960 64 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1984 40 years ago — 24 years old

Razzle was an English rock drummer who gained prominence as a member of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. The drummer contributed to the band's sound during their rise in the 1980s and was part of the infamous glam rock scene. His energetic performances and style helped define the era. Tragically, Razzle's career was cut short when he died in a car accident in 1984, which also involved the lead singer of a famous band. The drummer's legacy continued to influence rock music long after his passing.

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Robert Jay Mathews

Militant leader, founded The Order
Born
January 16th, 1953 72 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1984 40 years ago — 31 years old

An American militant leader founded The Order, a white supremacist organization, in 1983. The group sought to establish a white-only homeland in the Pacific Northwest and was involved in various criminal activities, including bank robbery and conspiracy to commit violence. Under the leadership, the organization gained notoriety for its paramilitary structure and extreme ideology. The group's operations were ultimately dismantled by law enforcement, culminating in Mathews' death during a standoff with the FBI in 1984.

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Luther Adler

American actor in classic films
Born
May 4th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1984 40 years ago — 81 years old

Debuted on Broadway in the 1920s and became a prominent figure in theater and film. Had a significant role in the 1951 film adaptation of 'The Great Gatsby'. Contributed to numerous productions throughout his career, including stage performances in 'The Brothers Karamazov'. Worked extensively in television, including a notable performance in 'The Edge of Night'.

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Vicente Aleixandre

Spanish poet and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 26th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1984 40 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1898, a significant figure in Spanish literature, specializing in poetry. The early work reflected influences from the Generation of '27. Gained widespread recognition for exploring themes of existence, love, and nature. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1977. Contributed to the Spanish literary scene through various collections and collaborations with other poets and writers. Throughout life, actively engaged in cultural and literary discussions in Spain until passing in 1984.

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Jan Peerce

American tenor, role in 'Carmen'
Born
June 3rd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1984 40 years ago — 80 years old

An accomplished tenor and actor, contributions spanned both the operatic and concert stages. Peerce gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly for performances in operas such as Georges Bizet's 'Carmen' and Giacomo Puccini's 'La Bohème'. Alongside operatic successes, Peerce also appeared in musicals and made numerous recordings, showcasing vocal range and artistry. Additionally, he performed on Broadway, further cementing his reputation in the performing arts.

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Joy Ridderhof

Missionary and founder of Voice of Prophecy
Born
March 30th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 19th, 1984 40 years ago — 81 years old

A missionary established extensive radio networks for evangelism. Focused on reaching diverse audiences through innovative programs. Pioneered the use of radio to spread religious teachings, facilitating the creation of numerous broadcasts across multiple languages. Actively engaged in producing religious content that emphasized hope and spirituality.

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Stanley Milgram

American social psychologist, Milgram Experiment
Born
August 15th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1984 40 years ago — 51 years old

A social psychologist conducted groundbreaking research on obedience to authority. The Milgram Experiment, which began in 1961, demonstrated individuals' willingness to perform actions conflicting with their personal conscience when instructed by an authority figure. The study involved participants administering electric shocks to a subject in a controlled setting, revealing alarming insights into human behavior and conformity. This influential work raised ethical questions in psychology and highlighted the complexities of authority dynamics in social situations.

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