What Happened This Year 1961

Born in 1961

LaChanze

Award-winning actress and singer
Born
December 16th, 1961 63 years ago

An accomplished actress and singer, she gained prominence for performances in Broadway productions. Achieved significant recognition for the role of Celie in 'The Color Purple,' receiving a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Additionally, showcased talent in the musical 'If/Then,' and performed in various workshops and concerts across the theater community. In film, contributed to 'The Help' and 'The Lion King' voice cast. Career spans several decades, with a strong presence in both theater and screen.

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Jon Tenney

Actor in 'The Closer' and 'Major Crimes'
Born
December 16th, 1961 63 years ago

An American actor and director, contributed to television and film. Significant roles included performances in the series 'The Closer' and its spin-off 'Major Crimes'. Engaged in various projects across the entertainment industry, showcasing versatility in acting and directing. Participated in stage productions in addition to on-screen work, further demonstrating a commitment to the craft.

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Mansoor al-Jamri

Journalist and author with notable writings
Born
December 17th, 1961 63 years ago

A Bahraini journalist and author, contributed significantly to journalism in Bahrain. Founded the newspaper Al-Wasat in 2002, which became an important platform for political discourse. Played a critical role in covering the events of the Bahraini uprising in 2011, providing insights into the political and social landscape of the country. Engaged in various discussions and forums concerning press freedom and political reform in Bahrain.

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Sara Dallin

English singer of Bananarama fame
Born
December 17th, 1961 63 years ago

An English singer achieved popularity as a member of the pop group Bananarama, which formed in 1981. The group gained international recognition for their catchy hits and distinct harmonies. Bananarama's music featured elements of new wave and pop, which resonated widely in the 1980s. The group was notable for their hit singles such as 'Cruel Summer' and 'Venus', both of which reached high positions on music charts across various countries. Dallin's contributions to the group helped establish them as one of the leading female acts of their time. Throughout their career, Bananarama received several accolades and continued to perform and release music over the decades.

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Angie Stone

Singer and songwriter with gold albums
Born
December 18th, 1961 63 years ago

An American singer, songwriter, and actress began a career in music in the late 1970s as a member of the hip hop group Sequence. Later transitioned to a solo career, achieving commercial success in the 1990s and 2000s with a blend of R&B, soul, and gospel. Released the album 'Black Diamond' in 1999, which featured the hit single 'No More Rain (In This Cloud)'. Stone also contributed to various soundtracks and collaborated with other prominent artists throughout her career. In addition to music, she pursued acting and appeared in television shows and films.

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Brian Orser

Canadian figure skater and coach, Olympic medalist
Born
December 18th, 1961 63 years ago

A prominent figure in figure skating, achieving significant success as both a competitor and coach. As a competitor, earned a silver medal at the 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics and won multiple World Championships. Transitioned to coaching, guiding several elite athletes, including Yuna Kim. Continued contributions to the sport as a coach, influencing the next generation of skaters.

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Lalchand Rajput

Cricketer, former India national team coach
Born
December 18th, 1961 63 years ago

Played for the Indian national cricket team from 1985 to 1995. Participated in the 1987 Cricket World Cup and the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Served as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team and contributed to the development of cricket in India. Coached various domestic teams and was influential in guiding talent at grassroots levels.

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Eric Allin Cornell

American physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
December 19th, 1961 63 years ago

Contributions to the field of physics include development of techniques to create Bose-Einstein condensates. Served as a professor and researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. Collaborated with other scientists to achieve significant breakthroughs in low-temperature physics and atomic manipulation. The work led to recognition within the scientific community and international accolades.

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Matthew Waterhouse

Actor in Doctor Who and author
Born
December 19th, 1961 63 years ago

An English actor and author, gained recognition for the role of Adric in the long-running television series Doctor Who from 1980 to 1982. Transitioned to writing, publishing several novels, including works that explore science fiction themes. Contributed to various adaptations and expansions of the Doctor Who universe through literature and audio dramas.

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