What Happened This Year 1956

Born in 1956

Trần Đại Quang

President of Vietnam
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
September 21st, 2018 7 years ago — 62 years old

Served as the President of Vietnam from 2016 until death in 2018. Held a prominent role in the Communist Party of Vietnam and focused on anti-corruption initiatives, economic reforms, and modernization of the national defense system. Also served as Minister of Public Security prior to presidency, enhancing law enforcement and internal security protocols in the country. Participated in numerous international forums representing Vietnam.

Continue Reading

Ted Gärdestad

Swedish singer-songwriter and musician
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
June 22nd, 1997 28 years ago — 41 years old

A Swedish singer-songwriter gained popularity in the 1970s with a unique blend of pop and folk music. Released several successful albums, including 'Underground' and 'Blue White Soul.' Worked with prominent producers and collaborated with various musicians, showcasing a talent for melodic songwriting. His song 'Sol, Vind Och Vatten' became iconic in Swedish music culture. Continued to influence the music scene until personal challenges led to a decline in public appearances.

Continue Reading

Júlio Redecker

Brazilian politician and legislator
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 51 years old

Served as a federal deputy in Brazil from 1995 until 2007. Played a significant role in Brazilian politics, representing the state of Rio Grande do Sul. His legislative focus included infrastructure and transport issues. Redecker was also a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement.

Continue Reading

Ángel Salazar

Cuban-American comedian and actor
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
August 11th, 2024 1 years ago — 68 years old

A comedian and actor with roots in Cuba, contributed to the entertainment industry through performances in comedy and film. Gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly for roles in 'Scarface' and 'The Latin Explosion: A New America'. Enabled wider representation of Hispanic culture in American comedy. Also performed stand-up comedy in various venues across the United States, entertaining audiences with humor from personal and cultural experiences.

Continue Reading

Roger Payne

English mountaineer and author
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2012 13 years ago — 56 years old

An English mountaineer and author focused on the challenges of high-altitude climbing. Gained recognition for completing several significant ascents, including the first ascent of K2's Southwest Face in 1971. Authored multiple works on mountaineering, sharing experiences and insights gained from expeditions. Contributed to the understanding of climbing conditions and the risks involved in high-altitude pursuits. Worked on projects related to mountain preservation and conservation.

Continue Reading

Chenjerai Hove

Zimbabwean journalist and poet
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 59 years old

A Zimbabwean journalist, author, and poet, Hove contributed to the country's literary and cultural landscape. His works often reflected the socio-political context of Zimbabwe, particularly during periods of turmoil. Hove's poetry and prose examined issues such as identity, displacement, and the struggles faced by ordinary Zimbabweans. He gained international recognition for literary contributions and was actively involved in promoting freedom of expression. Hove's notable works include the novels 'Bones' and 'Shadows', alongside his various poetry collections. Throughout his career, Hove emphasized the importance of language and literature in understanding the human condition.

Continue Reading

Alireza Soleimani

Iranian wrestler, World Champion
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2014 11 years ago — 58 years old

Competed for Iran in freestyle wrestling, winning multiple championships. Earned a gold medal at the 2009 World Wrestling Championships. Also participated in the 2010 Asian Games, securing a gold medal. Had a successful career representing Iran in international competitions until untimely passing in 2014.

Continue Reading

Gary Wilson

Anti-pornography activist and author
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
May 20th, 2021 4 years ago — 65 years old

An advocate against pornography and its effects on society, this individual authored significant works focused on the impact of porn on mental health and relationships. The book 'Your Brain on Porn' gained widespread attention, offering insights into the neuroscience of porn addiction. Engaging in public speaking and educational outreach, this person aimed to inform the public about the psychological consequences of pornography. Efforts included workshops and presentations across various platforms, emphasizing awareness and prevention strategies.

Continue Reading

Marie Colvin

War correspondent and journalist
Born
1956 70 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 2012 13 years ago — 56 years old

Acclaimed for reporting from conflict zones, covered wars in countries such as Iraq, Kosovo, and Syria. Worked for The Sunday Times and was recognized for her fearless approach to journalism. Colvin's experiences included being wounded in Sri Lanka while covering the civil war. Delivered powerful accounts of the human cost of war through her writings, including a significant piece about the suffering in the besieged city of Homs during the Syrian Civil War. Her reporting exemplified the challenges faced by journalists operating in dangerous environments.

Continue Reading