What Happened This Year 1945

Born in 1945

Jim Weaver

American football player and coach
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
July 2nd, 2015 10 years ago — 70 years old

Played college football at the University of Oregon. Coached multiple high school teams and served as an assistant coach at the collegiate level. Led the University of Oregon to a bowl appearance as head coach in 1980. Contributed to the development of several players who went on to play professionally.

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Jörg Immendorff

German painter and sculptor, café owner
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2007 18 years ago — 62 years old

An influential German painter, sculptor, and academic, recognized for engaging with socio-political themes through art. Attended the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf under Joseph Beuys, later becoming a professor. Established a café called 'Café Ehemaliger' as a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Immendorff's artwork often included references to historical events and personal experiences, merging political commentary with his artistic style. Works such as 'Café Deutschland' showcased his unique approach to merging personal narratives with broader themes in post-war German society.

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George Saitoti

Kenyan economist and Vice-President
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
June 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 6th Vice-President of Kenya from 2002 to 2012, focusing on economic policies and governance. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Finance and Minister for Education. Contributed to the development of Kenya's economic framework and educational reforms.

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Finn Bergesen

Norwegian businessman and civil servant
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
September 11th, 2012 13 years ago — 67 years old

Bergesen served as a prominent figure in Norwegian business and civil service. His career included significant contributions to the shipping industry, particularly through the establishment of Bergesen d.y. ASA, which grew to become one of the largest shipping companies in the world. He played a key role in advancing maritime operations and contributed to the development of modern shipping practices in Norway. Bergesen held various esteemed positions in business and was influential in maritime policy discussions.

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Kadir Topbaş

Turkish politician and former mayor
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2021 4 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the mayor of Istanbul from 2004 to 2017. Held the position during significant urban development projects and infrastructure improvements in the city. Earlier held the role of the president of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Engaged in various social and cultural initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Istanbul. Stepped down from the mayoralty in 2017 and remained involved in politics until passing in 2021.

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Jeremy Bulloch

English actor best known for Star Wars
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2020 4 years ago — 75 years old

An English actor recognized for roles in television and film, gained prominence through the portrayal of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. Contributed to the British television landscape with appearances in series such as 'Doctor Who' and 'Robin of Sherwood'. Career spanned several decades, with performances in various genres including drama, science fiction, and action.

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T. V. Sankaranarayanan

Indian Carnatic vocalist and musician
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 2022 3 years ago — 77 years old

Resided in India, contributed significantly to the world of Carnatic music. Received extensive training in music and developed a unique style that blended traditional elements with personal interpretations. Gained recognition as a prominent concert artist, performing in prestigious venues in India and abroad. Mentored several students, thereby influencing the next generation of Carnatic musicians. His contribution extended to arts through teaching and participating in music festivals.

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Sika Anoa'i

Professional wrestler, WWE Hall of Famer
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
June 25th, 2024 1 years ago — 79 years old

A professional wrestler from American Samoa, this individual became a prominent figure in the wrestling industry during the late 1970s and 1980s. As part of the tag team The Wild Samoans, achieved considerable success in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). This wrestler's career included various championship reigns, contributing to the growth of tag team wrestling. The induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 recognized significant contributions to the sport.

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Fouad Ajami

Author and academic specializing in Middle East studies
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
June 22nd, 2014 11 years ago — 69 years old

An influential author and academic, focused on the politics and culture of the Middle East. Contributed extensively to discussions about Arab culture and U.S. foreign policy. Served as a professor at Johns Hopkins University and wrote for various publications, addressing issues in the Arab world. Worked as a foreign affairs analyst for CBS News. Authored several books, including 'The Dream Palace of the Arabs', which explored the complexities of Arab identity and culture in the modern world.

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