What Happened This Year 1997

People Who Died in 1997

Jim McDonald

American football player and coach
Born
June 9th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 82 years old

Played as a center for the University of Michigan football team. Coached the team at the University of Maine and led the program to a successful record. Served in the military during World War II, contributing to various efforts. Had a significant influence on developing young athletes through coaching and mentoring.

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Ivan Graziani

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
October 6th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 52 years old

An influential Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist emerged in the 1970s music scene. Known for a distinctive style that blended rock and folk influences, accomplished significant success in the Italian music industry. Achieved notable recognition with songs that highlighted personal and social themes. In addition to solo work, collaborated with various artists and participated in numerous music festivals across Italy.

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Chiang Wei-kuo

Japanese-Chinese general
Born
October 6th, 1916 108 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Japan, a key figure in the Republic of China military, served as a general during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. Received training at the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and held various command positions in the National Revolutionary Army. Played significant roles in military strategies against Japanese forces and later in attempts to reclaim territory during the Chinese Civil War.

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Magda Gabor

Hungarian-American actress in the 1950s.
Born
June 11th, 1915 109 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Hungary, pursued a career in acting and entertainment, later moving to the United States. Gained recognition during the 1950s primarily through appearances on television and in films. Made guest appearances on popular shows including 'The Ed Sullivan Show' and 'The Match Game'. Engaged in various philanthropic activities and remained active in the entertainment industry for decades.

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Peter Tali Coleman

43rd Governor of American Samoa
Born
December 8th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the 43rd Governor of American Samoa from 1978 to 1981. Played a significant role in local governance and worked on issues impacting the territory. Held various positions in the legal field before his governorship, contributing to the legislative process and policy development. Engaged in community service and legal advocacy throughout his career, influencing local policies and initiatives.

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Kim Ki-young

South Korean Film Director
Born
October 10th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 78 years old

A director, screenwriter, and producer originating from South Korea, contributed significantly to the film industry throughout the mid-20th century. Debuted in the 1950s, gained prominence with the film 'The Housemaid' in 1960, which became a critical success and is considered a landmark in Korean cinema. His works often explored themes of family, social conflict, and moral dilemmas. Continued to create films well into the 1990s, depicting intricate narratives and complex characters. Influenced many contemporary filmmakers both in South Korea and internationally.

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Eugene Merle Shoemaker

Geologist and astronomer, Lunar mapping
Born
April 28th, 1928 96 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 69 years old

This individual contributed significantly to the field of planetary science and geology. Played a key role in the Apollo program, particularly in mapping the Moon's surface. Co-founded the Planetary Studies Institute and conducted extensive research on impact craters. Helped establish the concept of planetary geology and its importance to understanding celestial bodies. This individual's research laid groundwork for later missions to other planets.

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K. Shivaram Karanth

Indian journalist and author specializing in literature
Born
October 10th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent journalist, author, and activist in India, contributed extensively to Kannada literature and social issues. Authored several novels, essays, and plays, with some works addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. Engaged in social activism, especially in advocating for the rights of farmers and the preservation of cultural heritage. Actively participated in the Indian independence movement.

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Mildred Cleghorn

Native American educator and chairwoman
Born
December 11th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 87 years old

Chairwoman of the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, played a significant role in advocating for Native American rights and education. Established programs to improve educational outcomes for Native American students. Contributed to cultural preservation efforts within the Apache community. Involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing community welfare and self-governance.

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