What Happened This Year 1923

Born in 1923

Morrie Turner

American cartoonist and creator of 'Wee Pals'
Born
December 11th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
January 25th, 2014 11 years ago — 90 years old

An American cartoonist created the comic strip 'Wee Pals' in 1965, which became one of the first comic strips to feature a multiracial cast of characters. The strip addressed various social issues with humor and insight, gaining a devoted following. Turner achieved recognition in the cartooning community, receiving accolades such as the Inkpot Award. Turner was also active in promoting diversity through visual arts and provided insights on the importance of representation in media. His work in the field of cartooning influenced younger generations of artists who aspired to tell their own stories through comics.

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Betsy Blair

American actress in film and theater
Born
December 11th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 13th, 2009 16 years ago — 85 years old

An accomplished actress, contributions spanned various mediums including film, theater, and television. Gained recognition for roles in classic films such as "Marty" and "The Next Step". Developed a successful career in stage productions, particularly highlighted by performances in prominent theater companies. Worked with significant filmmakers and playwrights, showcasing talent in various dramatic roles. Later in life, continued to influence the performing arts through various artistic endeavors and advocacy efforts.

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Lillian Cahn

Co-founder of Coach, Inc.
Born
December 11th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
March 4th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

A Hungarian-American businesswoman co-founded Coach, Inc. in 1941, a company specializing in leather handbags and accessories. She played a significant role in the evolution of Coach, transforming it into a leading luxury brand. The brand focused on craftsmanship and quality, establishing a reputation that attracted a broad customer base. Under her leadership, Coach expanded its product lines and retail locations, achieving considerable success in the fashion industry during the 1980s and 1990s.

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Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

Ethiopian pianist and composer of classical music
Born
December 12th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 100 years old

Born in Ethiopia, a pianist and composer developed a unique style that blended Ethiopian music with classical elements. As a nun, devoted much of life to music while residing in a monastery. Created a number of solo piano compositions, often inspired by her experiences and faith. Gained recognition for works that reflect Ethiopian cultural themes. Contributed to the preservation and innovation of Ethiopian music through classical composition.

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Bob Dorough

American jazz musician and composer
Born
December 12th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 95 years old

A jazz musician and composer, this individual gained prominence through the creation of educational music. He is recognized for composing songs for the animated series 'Schoolhouse Rock,' which sought to teach children about various subjects through catchy tunes. In addition to composing, extensive work in the music industry included collaborations with various artists and contributions to jazz music. The blending of music and education marked a significant contribution to children's entertainment.

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Bob Barker

Game show host of The Price Is Right
Born
December 12th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
August 26th, 2023 1 years ago — 99 years old

A prominent game show host and producer, hosted the long-running game show The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007. Began his career in broadcasting while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Transitioned to radio and later made a mark on television as a game show host. Advocated for animal rights and promoted spaying and neutering pets. Received numerous awards for contributions to television and philanthropy.

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Larry Doby

Baseball player, first in American League
Born
December 13th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
June 18th, 2003 21 years ago — 79 years old

Played Major League Baseball as an outfielder, making history as the first African American player in the American League. Doby made his debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1947, just a few months after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. During his career, Doby was a key contributor to the Indians' 1948 World Series championship team, showcasing exceptional skills both offensively and defensively. Doby later played for the Chicago White Sox and contributed to the team's success during his tenure. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach and manager in various leagues, contributing to the development of the sport.

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Philip Warren Anderson

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 13th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent physicist, contributed to condensed matter physics and played a crucial role in the development of the theory of localization. His research addressed disordered systems and introduced methods for understanding various phenomena in solid-state physics. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems. Affiliated with institutions such as Princeton University throughout an extensive academic career.

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Gerard Reve

Dutch author known for 'The Evenings'
Born
December 14th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2006 18 years ago — 82 years old

An influential Dutch author and poet, this individual made significant contributions to Dutch literature. Born in 1923, the individual published several novels, with 'The Evenings' (De Avonden) being the most acclaimed. The book, a coming-of-age story, depicts life during the post-World War II period in the Netherlands and has been praised for its unique narrative style and exploration of existential themes. The individual received multiple prestigious awards throughout the career, solidifying a prominent place in Dutch literary history.

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