What Happened This Year 2013

People Who Died in 2013

Ray Harryhausen

Animator and producer of stop-motion films
Born
June 29th, 1920 104 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 93 years old

Pioneered stop-motion animation techniques that revolutionized visual effects in cinema. Created iconic creatures and characters for films such as 'Jason and the Argonauts', 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad', and 'Clash of the Titans'. Contributed to the development of animated storytelling, influencing countless filmmakers and animators. Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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Rochus Misch

German SS officer and bodyguard
Born
July 29th, 1917 107 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 96 years old

Born in 1917, served as a bodyguard for Adolf Hitler during World War II. Assigned to the Führerbunker in Berlin, played a key role in the security detail. Experienced the final days of the Third Reich and witnessed numerous significant historical events. After the war, captured by Soviet forces and later became a successful entrepreneur. His post-war life included a focus on sharing personal experiences of service during the Nazi regime, providing insight into the inner workings of the regime's leadership.

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Peter Geach

Philosopher and academic.
Born
March 29th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 97 years old

Contributions to philosophy focused on topics such as logic, language, and metaphysics. Served as a professor at the University of Hull and published several influential works. Engaged with issues of identity and necessity, shaping discussions in analytic philosophy.

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Shamshad Begum

Pakistani-Indian playback singer
Born
April 14th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1919, a prominent playback singer in Hindi and Urdu cinema. Gained recognition in the late 1940s and 1950s for her melodious voice. Contributed to numerous films, including 'Nagina' and 'Hulaa'. Her singing style and performances resonated with audiences across India and Pakistan. Worked with notable music composers like Naushad and C. Ramchandra. Retired from playback singing in the 1960s, leaving behind a rich legacy in film music.

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Louise Currie

American actress in classic horror films
Born
April 7th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 100 years old

An actress appeared in several films from the 1940s to the 1950s, specializing in the horror genre. Roles included prominent parts in movies such as 'The Ghost of Frankenstein' and 'The Phantom of 42nd Street'. Worked extensively with Monogram Pictures and participated in numerous theatrical productions.

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Dezső Gyarmati

Hungarian water polo player and coach
Born
October 23rd, 1927 97 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in water polo, achieved significant success as both a player and coach. Competed in multiple Olympic Games, earning three gold medals and one silver medal. Transitioned to coaching and led teams to various national and international honors, contributing to the development of the sport in Hungary.

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Jiah Khan

Indian actress in Bollywood films
Born
February 20th, 1988 37 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 25 years old

Born in 1988, this actress gained recognition in the Hindi film industry with her debut in 'Nishabd' alongside Amitabh Bachchan. She also appeared in 'Ghajini' and 'Housefull', showcasing talent in both drama and comedy roles. Her career was marked by roles that often highlighted the complexities of contemporary romance. Despite a promising start, her life was cut short in 2013. The actress's contributions to Indian cinema, although brief, left a lasting impression on her fans.

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Elspet Gray

Scottish actress with notable stage performances
Born
April 12th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent figure in British theater and television, this actress had a lengthy career that spanned decades. Best recognized for her work in the Royal Shakespeare Company, she excelled in classical and contemporary roles. Contributions to television included significant roles in series such as "The Forsyte Saga" and "Wives and Daughters." Additionally, performances at the Edinburgh Festivals highlighted her talents in both comedy and drama. Recognized for her dedication to the craft, she also earned accolades for her stage performances, particularly in the works of playwrights such as Shakespeare and Shaw.

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Deanna Durbin

Canadian actress and singer in film musicals
Born
December 4th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent actress and singer, achieved fame during the 1930s and 1940s primarily through film musicals. Rose to stardom with the role in 'Three Smart Girls'. Her work in films contributed significantly to the popularity of musical cinema. Durbin's exceptional vocal talent and charming screen presence captured the audience's attention in many successful movies. She transitioned into adult roles while continuing to showcase musical abilities, solidifying her status in Hollywood. With a thriving career that consisted of several well-received films, she became one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

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