What Happened This Year 2013

People Who Died in 2013

Rituparno Ghosh

Indian filmmaker and playwright
Born
August 31st, 1963 62 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 50 years old

A prominent figure in Bengali cinema, significant contributions occurred in directing and screenwriting. Received accolades for films such as 'Bariwali', 'Chokher Bali', and 'Shob Charitro Kalponik'. The works often explored complex emotional themes and social issues, earning critical acclaim and audience appreciation. Led a revival of art house cinema in India, utilizing a unique storytelling approach. Also noted for contributions to theatre and television, showcasing a holistic commitment to the arts.

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Lewis Yocum

Physician and surgeon specializing in sports medicine
Born
November 8th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 66 years old

Practiced as an orthopedic surgeon and gained recognition for expertise in sports-related injuries. Served as the team physician for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball, overseeing treatments and rehabilitation for players. Operated a private practice focusing on improving athletic performance and treating injuries. Contributed to advancements in surgical techniques for shoulder and elbow issues, particularly in baseball players. Was instrumental in the development of methods to enhance recovery times and outcomes for athletes.

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Takashi Yanase

Poet and illustrator, creator of Anpanman
Born
February 6th, 1919 107 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1919, a notable poet and illustrator contributed significantly to children's literature in Japan. Created the beloved character Anpanman, which became a staple in Japanese culture. Worked on various illustrations and poems that resonated with both children and adults. Engaged in artistic endeavors throughout life and emphasized themes of kindness and imagination.

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Teresa Mattei

Feminist partisan and Italian politician
Born
February 1st, 1921 105 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 92 years old

Born in Italy, a prominent figure during World War II, engaged in the Italian Resistance against fascism. Contributed to the liberation of Italy while advocating for women's rights. Post-war, became a member of the Italian Parliament, focusing on social policies and gender equality. Was instrumental in the establishment of laws that protected women's rights and promoted equality in the workplace. Held leadership positions within various feminist organizations, influencing legislative changes and public perception regarding women's issues.

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Jerry Sisk

Co-founder of Jewelry Television
Born
February 2nd, 1953 73 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1953, a prominent American gemologist co-founded Jewelry Television, a leading shopping channel dedicated to gemstones and jewelry. The channel specializes in showcasing a wide array of jewelry pieces, featuring detailed information about gemstones and their origins. Under his leadership, Jewelry Television became popular for its innovative approach to home shopping. The platform provided an extensive range of fine jewelry, appealing to a diverse audience. The unique format and informative presentations significantly contributed to the growth and popularity of the channel throughout the United States.

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Rex Trailer

Television host of 'Boomtown'
Born
September 16th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 85 years old

American television host, actor, and singer gained fame as the host of the children's show 'Boomtown' which aired from 1956 to 1976. The program featured various segments including music, sketches, and educational content aimed at young audiences. Trailer's engaging style and musical performances contributed to the show's popularity. In addition to television, Trailer also pursued a career in music, recording several albums and performing live. His contributions to children's entertainment left a lasting legacy in American television history.

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Little Willie Littlefield

Singer-songwriter and pianist
Born
September 16th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 82 years old

An American-Dutch singer-songwriter and pianist, became prominent in the rhythm and blues genre, particularly during the 1950s. His career included a blend of blues, rock and roll, and boogie-woogie. Released popular tracks such as 'Kansas City' and 'They Raided the Joint'. His music contributed to the development of early rock and roll, influencing many artists. Later relocated to the Netherlands, where an extensive touring schedule helped maintain his presence on the European music scene.

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Ferdinand Biwersi

Footballer and referee in Germany
Born
June 24th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 79 years old

Played professional football as a forward and later served as a referee in Germany. Had a career that involved officiating matches in various leagues. Contributed to the development of football officiating standards during his tenure. Participated in key matches at both national and international levels, enhancing the sport's integrity through his refereeing skills.

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Ronnie Biggs

English criminal notorious for train robbery
Born
August 8th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2013 13 years ago — 84 years old

An English criminal became part of the infamous Great Train Robbery in 1963, where a gang intercepted a Royal Mail train in England and stole £2.6 million. Biggs played a crucial role in planning and executing the robbery. Following the theft, Biggs was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison but escaped from Wandsworth Prison in 1965, subsequently fleeing to Australia and Brazil. His escape and life on the run became legendary, leading to media fascination. In 2001, he returned to the UK after being diagnosed with health issues, where he served the remainder of his sentence before passing away in 2023.

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