What Happened This Year 1997

People Who Died in 1997

Bertha Isaacs

Bahamian politician and women's rights activist
Born
April 18th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent educator, tennis player, and politician, dedicated efforts to advancing women's rights in the Bahamas. As a tennis player, achieved notable success in the sport during the early 20th century. Emphasized the importance of education for women and girls, campaigning for their rights in various forums. Contributed significantly to the political landscape, advocating for social justice and equality in the Bahamas.

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Polly Ann Young

American actress in film and television
Born
October 25th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1908, an American actress performed in numerous films and television shows during the 20th century. Made appearances in notable works, including 'The Rains Came' and 'The Man from the Alamo'. Also featured in the television series 'The Farmer's Daughter'. Career spanned several decades, contributing to both film and television mediums with a variety of roles.

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Henry Picard

Professional golfer, 1938 Masters champion
Born
November 28th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 91 years old

An accomplished golfer, this individual achieved significant success in the sport during the early to mid-20th century. Playing on the PGA Tour, a major highlight of the career was winning the prestigious 1938 Masters Tournament. Throughout his time on the tour, numerous top ten finishes were recorded, showcasing consistency and skill. The golfer also participated in various Open Championships and was recognized for contributions to the game during a pivotal era for golf in America.

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Gunpei Yokoi

Japanese video game designer, Game Boy inventor
Born
September 10th, 1941 83 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 56 years old

Contributed significantly to the video game industry, particularly through work at Nintendo. Designed the Game Boy, a portable gaming device that revolutionized gaming on the go and sold over 118 million units worldwide. Also created the Game & Watch series, which combined handheld gaming with a clock and became a precursor to modern portable games. Led development of several successful arcade games, including the highly acclaimed Kid Icarus. His innovative approach emphasized creativity and simplicity in game design.

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Saul Chaplin

American composer of film scores
Born
February 19th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent American composer, contributed significantly to the film industry by creating memorable scores. Involved in the production of numerous well-known musicals, including 'Annie Get Your Gun' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. Won multiple Academy Awards for Best Original Song, showcasing talent in crafting memorable melodies that resonated with audiences. Collaborated with various artists and expanded influence in film music throughout the mid-20th century.

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Randy California

Singer-songwriter and guitarist for Spirit
Born
February 20th, 1951 74 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 46 years old

Randy California was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, prominently associated with the rock band Spirit. The band achieved success in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their unique blend of rock, jazz, and psychedelic music. California contributed significantly to their sound and songwriting, becoming the band's lead guitarist and prominent vocalist. Notable works include the iconic song 'I Got a Line on You' and the album 'Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus'. The band's music featured innovative instrumental techniques and has been influential in the development of progressive rock. California's solo career included several albums, showcasing his distinctive guitar skills and songwriting abilities. His work continues to resonate with fans of classic rock.

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