What Happened This Year 1989

People Who Died in 1989

Ted a'Beckett

Australian cricketer and lawyer
Born
August 11th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1989 35 years ago — 81 years old

Played cricket for Victoria and represented Australia in Test matches. Participated in 11 Test matches from 1931 to 1938. Also worked as a lawyer after his cricketing career, contributing to legal practices in Australia.

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Ruhollah Khomeini

Iranian religious leader and politician
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1989 35 years ago — 89 years old

An Iranian religious leader served as the first Supreme Leader of Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Established theocratic rule following the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy. Advocated for an Islamic government based on Shia principles. Prominence emerged as a critic of the Shah's regime, leading to widespread support among various groups opposed to the monarchy.

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Dik Browne

Cartoonist, creator of Hagar the Horrible
Born
1917 108 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1989 35 years ago — 72 years old

A cartoonist contributed significantly to the comic strip medium. Created the comic strip 'Hagar the Horrible,' which debuted in 1973. The strip featured the humorous misadventures of a Viking and his family. Worked on various other projects but achieved lasting recognition primarily through 'Hagar the Horrible.'

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George Wells Beadle

Geneticist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
October 22nd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1989 35 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent geneticist and academic, significantly contributed to the understanding of genetic processes. Conducted pioneering research on the relationship between genes and enzymes, leading to the formulation of the one gene-one enzyme hypothesis. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago and vice president for academic affairs at the University of California. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958 alongside Edward Tatum and Joshua Lederberg for discoveries concerning the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and variation.

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Fran Allison

Television personality and puppeteer
Born
November 20th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1989 35 years ago — 81 years old

This individual was a prominent television personality and puppeteer, notably remembered for the work on the children's program called 'Kukla, Fran and Ollie'. The show featured a blend of puppetry and live performance, captivating audiences during its original run from the mid-1940s to the early 1970s. The performance style involved engaging interaction with puppet characters Kukla and Ollie, which became a cherished part of American television culture. Beyond the iconic show, this individual participated in various other television appearances and continued to influence the field of puppetry until retirement.

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Ray McAnally

Irish actor with roles in film and theatre
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
June 15th, 1989 35 years ago — 63 years old

A celebrated actor whose career spanned theatre, television, and film. Achieved recognition for performances in the television series 'The Riordans' and 'The Special Relationship', as well as in the film 'The Field'. Performed on stage in various productions, showcasing talent in both drama and comedy. Contributed to the Irish arts community and continued to be remembered for impactful performances until death in 1989.

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I. F. Stone

American journalist and author
Born
December 24th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
June 18th, 1989 35 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent journalist, gained recognition through investigative reporting and analysis. Founded I. F. Stone's Weekly, a publication that provided critical insights into U.S. politics and foreign affairs. Authored several influential books exploring issues of government and society, challenging mainstream narratives.

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Betti Alver

Estonian author and poet, 'The Seven Larks'
Born
November 23rd, 1906 118 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1989 35 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Estonia, this individual gained recognition as a poet and author in the 20th century. Works often explored themes of nature and emotional depth, reflecting the Estonian landscape and spirit. Contributions to literature included poetry collections and novels, enriching Estonia's literary heritage. Active in literary circles, engagement in cultural discussions promoted the importance of literature in society. The Pearl of the Baltic was a significant part of the literary journey. Writing style evolved throughout the years, showcasing a refined command of language and imagery.

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Werner Best

German police officer and jurist
Born
July 10th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
June 23rd, 1989 35 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent police officer and jurist played a significant role in law enforcement and legal administration in Germany. Involved in various legal reforms and served during turbulent historical periods. Engaged in post-war rehabilitation efforts and provided expertise in legal matters. Held positions that required balancing law enforcement with legal principles and human rights considerations.

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