What Happened This Year 1946

Born in 1946

Drafi Deutscher

German singer-songwriter and musician
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
June 9th, 2006 19 years ago — 60 years old

Drafi Deutscher was a German singer-songwriter and musician active primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. His career began in the early 1960s when he formed the band The Rattles, contributing to the German beat and rock scene. In 1965, he gained significant recognition with the hit single 'Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht,' which topped the German charts and became a classic in German pop music. Deutscher's style blended pop, rock, and Schlager, appealing to a wide audience. Throughout his career, he produced numerous successful songs and albums, with his work greatly influencing the German music landscape. He continued to perform and write music until his later years, remaining a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

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Marie-Georges Pascal

French actress in film and theater
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
November 9th, 1985 39 years ago — 39 years old

Started a career in the late 1940s, Pascal appeared in numerous films and stage productions. Worked extensively in French cinema and gained recognition for performances in various genres. Notable roles included appearances in films such as 'La Chartreuse de Parme' and 'Les Biches'. Demonstrated versatility across both comedic and dramatic roles, contributing to the vibrancy of French theater and film during the post-war era.

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Mahir Çayan

Turkish politician, leader of the THKO
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1972 53 years ago — 26 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish leftist politics during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Played a crucial role in the Turkish People's Liberation Army, which aimed to establish a socialist government in Turkey. Also led the Turkish People's Liberation Front, opposing the military government. His activities involved organizing protests and revolutionary actions that garnered national attention. Captured and killed in a police confrontation in 1972, leaving a legacy in radical politics.

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Cheng Pei-pei

Chinese actress in classic films
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2024 0 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent actress in Hong Kong cinema, gained recognition through performances in classic martial arts films. Starred in 'Come Drink with Me' and 'The Lady Hermit', pivotal works in the genre. Contributed significantly to the rise of the female warrior archetype in films during the 1960s and 70s. In later years, participated in stage productions and continued to influence the film industry.

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Boris Dubin

Sociologist and academic in Russia
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 10 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent sociologist and academic, contributions focused on post-Soviet society, political culture, and social transformation in Russia. Authored several influential works that examined public opinion, social values, and political attitudes in contemporary Russia. Served as a senior researcher at the Levada Center, a leading independent polling organization in Russia. Engaged in sociological research that provided insights into the public's response to governmental policy and social changes. Provided analysis during times of significant political change, contributing to understanding the social dynamics at play in the region.

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Michael Aung-Thwin

Historian of Southeast Asian history
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
August 14th, 2021 3 years ago — 75 years old

A historian and scholar specialized in Burmese and Southeast Asian history. Contributed significantly to the understanding of the region's historical narratives. Published works include 'The Mists of Ramanna: Culture and Process in the Restoration of the Burmese Empire' and 'Burmese History in the British Period: 1824-1948'. Played a crucial role in academics and research related to Southeast Asia. Worked at various institutions where scholarship influenced the study of this region.

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Sacheen Littlefeather

Actress and activist for Native rights
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
October 2nd, 2022 2 years ago — 76 years old

An actress and model involved in Native American civil rights, an important recognition occurred during the 1973 Academy Awards when an acceptance speech was declined on behalf of Marlon Brando. This act brought significant attention to the issues faced by Native Americans. Littlefeather participated in numerous events advocating for indigenous rights and equality, contributing to awareness and dialogue regarding Native American representation in media and society throughout her career.

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Ted Greene

American guitarist and music journalist
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2005 19 years ago — 59 years old

An influential figure in American guitar music, contributed significantly to guitar instruction through the publication of instructional materials. Authored 'Chord Chemistry', a book that explored chord theory and fingerboard navigation for guitarists. Worked as a session musician and performed with various artists while also being a sought-after teacher in the Los Angeles area. His guitar style blended elements from jazz and classical music, influencing both students and fellow musicians. Recognized for his unique approach to harmony and improvisation, left a lasting legacy on guitar education.

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Francisco Varela

Chilean biologist and philosopher
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2001 24 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent figure in biology and philosophy, contributions included the development of enaction as a framework for understanding cognition, which emphasized the role of embodied experience. Collaborated with cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy, establishing interdisciplinary links. Worked on biological theories of cognition and explored the phenomenology of life. Co-authored 'The Embodied Mind', integrating Buddhist concepts with cognitive science.

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