What Happened This Year 1923

Born in 1923

Walt Dropo

Basketball and baseball player
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2010 14 years ago — 87 years old

Played professional basketball and baseball during the mid-20th century. In baseball, played for teams including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox. Achieved notable success in Major League Baseball, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1950. In basketball, played for the Boston Celtics and was part of the team that won the 1956 NBA Championship. Transitioned between the two sports, showcasing a versatile athletic career.

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Bob Chappuis

American football player, Army captain
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2012 13 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in American football, this individual played quarterback for the University of Michigan, contributing to the team's success during the 1940s. After college, served as an Army captain during World War II, where he participated in significant campaigns in Europe. Post-war, continued to excel on the football field and was part of the Detroit Lions, contributing to their performances in the NFL. His athletic career was marked by leadership and skill on both the collegiate and professional levels.

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Guenter Wendt

Engineer and NASA Launch Director
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
May 3rd, 2010 15 years ago — 87 years old

An engineer and launch director contributed significantly to the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Played a vital role in the design and testing of rocket components, ensuring their reliability and safety. Worked at NASA where overseeing numerous successful missions solidified the reputation as a crucial figure in American space exploration. His work influenced operational procedures and set high standards for subsequent launch operations.

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Joan Oró

Catalan biochemist and academic
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2004 21 years ago — 81 years old

Contributed significantly to biochemistry and astrobiology. Focused on prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life. Conducted research on amino acids and nucleotide formations, which provided insights into the development of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere in the universe. Worked at various prestigious institutions and published numerous scientific papers. Served as a professor and mentored many students in the field of biochemistry.

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Nadia Gray

Romanian-French actress in film and theater
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
June 13th, 1994 31 years ago — 71 years old

Born in Romania and later moving to France, an actress became prominent in the mid-20th century. Gained recognition for performances in various films, particularly in the movie 'The Man from the Southwest' and 'The Devil and the Ten Commandments'. Participated in numerous theatrical productions across Europe, demonstrating versatility in both drama and comedy genres. Worked with several notable directors and actors during a prolific career. Continued to perform in films and theater until retirement. Passed away in Paris.

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Constance Ford

Model and actress in 'All My Children'
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1993 32 years ago — 70 years old

This American model and actress gained recognition for her roles in television and film during the mid-20th century. Notably portrayed the character of Carolyn McGuire in the soap opera 'All My Children', contributing to its success. Ford also appeared in various movies, including 'The Long, Hot Summer' and 'The Last Angry Man'. With a career spanning several decades, her contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impression.

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