What Happened This Year 1963

Born in 1963

Lolo Ferrari

French dancer and actress
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
March 5th, 2000 25 years ago — 37 years old

A French dancer, actress, and singer, this individual gained notoriety in the late 1990s for her unique appearance and performances. Known for a distinctive style, she became a prominent figure in the cabaret scene and gained attention in various television appearances. The combination of her dancing talents and theatrical presentations contributed to her popularity. Performances included live shows that showcased her provocative and flamboyant personas, leading to her involvement in films and reality television toward the end of her career.

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Zurab Zhvania

Georgian politician and Prime Minister
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 2005 20 years ago — 42 years old

Served as the 4th Prime Minister of Georgia from 2004 until 2005. Played a significant role in the political landscape following the Rose Revolution, which aimed to eliminate corruption and enhance democracy in the country. Prior to the premiership, held various governmental positions that contributed to shaping Georgia's policies in the post-Soviet era. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the economy and foster international relations.

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Avi Ran

Israeli footballer, Maccabi Tel Aviv star
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1987 38 years ago — 24 years old

An Israeli footballer played primarily as a midfielder. His career included significant time with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where contributions helped the team achieve domestic success. Ran was part of the Israeli national team, participating in international competitions, and played a vital role in various matches during the 1980s. His playing style showcased technical skill and field vision, influencing the club's performance during his tenure.

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Benoît Sauvageau

Canadian educator and politician
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2006 19 years ago — 43 years old

Served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada representing the Bloc Québécois from 1993 until death in 2006. Focused on education policies and advocated for the rights of students and teachers. Contributed to discussions on the Quebec sovereignty movement.

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Gary Albright

Wrestler, notable amateur competitor
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
January 7th, 2000 25 years ago — 37 years old

Contributed significantly to amateur wrestling, achieving recognition for performances at various championships. Competed in the United States and gained fame in the wrestling community throughout the 1990s. Heavyweight wrestler achieved notable success in both national and international competitions. Transitioned to professional wrestling, competing for several promotions and earning respect within the industry.

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Thomas Dörflein

German zookeeper with polar bear fame
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2008 17 years ago — 45 years old

Worked as a zookeeper at the Berlin Zoo, caring for various animals. Gained international recognition for raising a polar bear cub named Knut after its mother rejected it in 2006. Created programs for public engagement and education about wildlife. Provided round-the-clock care for the cub, which drew significant attention and led to broader discussions about animal welfare in captivity. Knut became a global sensation and was featured in numerous media outlets, significantly raising awareness about polar bears and zoo preservation.

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Neerja Bhanot

Indian model and Ashok Chakra recipient
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1986 39 years ago — 23 years old

A prominent Indian model received the Ashok Chakra for bravery. At the age of 22, acted as a flight attendant on a hijacked Pan Am flight from Mumbai to New York. Displayed exceptional courage by helping passengers escape the aircraft during the hijacking incident, ultimately sacrificing personal safety. The award recognized valor in the face of danger, marking a significant contribution in the realm of civil aviation security.

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Pedro Vaz

Uruguayan politician and foreign minister
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
December 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 49 years old

Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, contributing to the country's diplomatic relations and international standing. Engaged in legal practice prior to entering politics, advocating for legal and foreign policy reforms. Played a role in shaping Uruguay's foreign relations from a legal and administrative perspective.

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Ray Traylor Jr.

Professional wrestler, Big Boss Man
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 2004 21 years ago — 41 years old

Traylor started his wrestling career in the late 1980s, first gaining attention with his role in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he adopted the persona of the Big Boss Man. This character was portrayed as a corrections officer who enforced justice in the wrestling ring. Traylor's wrestling style combined strength and agility, showcasing his ability to engage with the audience. He participated in many high-profile storylines and matches, becoming a recognizable figure in professional wrestling.

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