What Happened This Year 1963

People Who Died in 1963

Walter Lee

Australian politician, Tasmanian Premier
Born
1874 151 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1963 61 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 24th Premier of Tasmania from 1939 to 1940. Contributed to the development of the state's policies during a challenging period, focusing on economic recovery and infrastructure. Involved in various initiatives to improve education and transportation within Tasmania. Played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the region during his tenure.

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Pope John XXIII

Pope and Vatican II convener
Born
November 25th, 1881 143 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1963 61 years ago — 81 years old

Served as Pope from 1958 until death in 1963. Convened the Second Vatican Council to initiate significant reforms in the Catholic Church. Implemented modernizing changes in liturgy, relations with other religions, and outreach to laity. Advocated for peace during the Cold War and increased interfaith dialogue. Prior to papacy, held various ecclesiastical roles including Bishop of Bergamo.

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Nâzım Hikmet

Turkish poet and playwright
Born
January 15th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1963 61 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent figure in Turkish literature, this author created revolutionary poetry and plays that reflected social and political themes. Born into a family of intellectuals, began writing poetry at a young age. His works often faced censorship due to political views, leading to imprisonment and exile. Despite challenges, produced a substantial body of work that includes the acclaimed poetry collection 'Human Landscapes from My Country'. His style combined free verse with rich imagery and was influential in modern Turkish literature.

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Edmond Decottignies

French Weightlifter, Olympic Champion
Born
1893 132 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1963 61 years ago — 70 years old

Competed in weightlifting for France during the early 20th century. Achieved significant success at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, securing a gold medal in the lightweight category. Participated in multiple European Championships and consistently performed at the highest levels of the sport throughout his career. Contributed to the development of weightlifting in France and inspired future generations of athletes in the discipline.

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William Baziotes

American painter and academia figure
Born
June 11th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
June 6th, 1963 61 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent American painter, significant contributions were made to the abstract expressionism movement in the mid-20th century. Baziotes studied at the Art Students League of New York and later taught at various institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum Art School. His paintings often exhibited a blend of abstraction and surrealism, characterized by their use of color and form. Baziotes participated in numerous exhibitions and gained recognition for his work in the 1940s and 1950s, helping to shape modern art during that period.

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Jacques Villon

French painter of modern art
Born
July 31st, 1875 149 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1963 61 years ago — 87 years old

A significant figure in the development of modern art, this painter contributed to the Cubist movement and was an influential member of the Puteaux Group. He adopted a unique style that blended elements of Cubism with other artistic influences. His work was characterized by a focus on geometric forms and structural composition. Not only did this artist create paintings, but also prints and illustrated books. His pieces often depicted urban landscapes and still lifes.

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Thích Quảng Đức

Vietnamese monk and Buddhist martyr
Born
1897 128 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1963 61 years ago — 66 years old

A Vietnamese monk self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government. This act became a symbol of the struggle for religious freedom and peace in Vietnam. His death brought international attention to the plight of Buddhists in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The incident catalyzed widespread protests and contributed to the eventual political changes in the country.

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Medgar Evers

Civil Rights Activist and Soldier
Born
July 2nd, 1925 99 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1963 61 years ago — 37 years old

Served in the United States Army during World War II. Became a prominent civil rights activist in Mississippi. Worked as the state’s first NAACP secretary, focusing on voter registration and desegregation. Organized boycotts and protests demanding equal rights for African Americans. Assassinated in 1963, his death catalyzed national attention for the civil rights movement.

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Pedro Armendáriz

Mexican-American actor in classic films
Born
May 9th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
June 18th, 1963 61 years ago — 51 years old

A prominent actor with a career spanning several decades, primarily in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Gained recognition for performances in films such as 'The Mask of Zorro' and 'The Forgotten Village'. Worked with celebrated directors and actors, becoming a key part of the film industry during the mid-20th century. Faced challenges of typecasting but remained a leading figure in both Mexican and American cinema. His career was marked by memorable roles that showcased both talent and charisma.

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