What Happened This Year 2023

People Who Died in 2023

Harvey Glance

American sprinter, Olympic medalist
Born
March 28th, 1957 68 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 66 years old

A sprinter specialized in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. Competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4x100 meters relay. Achieved significant success at the national level, including winning the NCAA title in the 100 meters in 1976. Represented the United States in various international competitions.

Continue Reading

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

South African politician, KwaZulu leader
Born
August 27th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in South African politics, served as the Chief Minister of KwaZulu. Founded the Inkatha Freedom Party in 1975, emphasizing the rights of Zulu people. Played a significant role in the political landscape during the anti-apartheid movement, engaging in negotiations for political reform. Had a lengthy political career that spanned several decades and included participation in the formation of a new South African constitution.

Continue Reading

Karen Lumley

English politician and Member of Parliament
Born
March 28th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 59 years old

Elected as the Member of Parliament for Redditch in 2010, served until 2017. Lumley was a vocal member of the Conservative Party and participated in various parliamentary committees. Prior to her political career, engaged in local government and community issues, contributing to public service initiatives. In Parliament, focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and local development, representing constituents' interests.

Continue Reading

Juraj Jakubisko

Slovak director and screenwriter
Born
April 30th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent Slovak director and screenwriter, contributions to film included works that explored themes of Slovak identity and history. Early works gained recognition in the 1960s with a distinctive visual style and narrative techniques. Established a notable career within the Czechoslovak New Wave movement. Later films gained international acclaim and featured rich, metaphorical storytelling. Received multiple awards throughout a prolific career, including the prestigious Milan Rastislav Šufflay Award.

Continue Reading

Olga Kennard

Crystallographer and academic researcher
Born
March 23rd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 99 years old

Contributed to the field of crystallography through extensive research and academic leadership. Founded the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, which became a significant resource for crystallographic data. Authored numerous publications and received multiple awards for contributions to the sciences.

Continue Reading

James G. Watt

U.S. Secretary of the Interior during Reagan
Born
January 31st, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 43rd United States Secretary of the Interior from 1981 to 1983. Played a significant role in environmental policy and land management during the Reagan administration. Focused on energy production and deregulation, advocating for increased access to federal lands for resource extraction. Oversaw controversial policies regarding national parks and wildlife management, leading to significant public debate. Resigned amid political controversies and criticism of management practices and policies.

Continue Reading

Richard Franklin

Actor, writer, director, political activist
Born
January 15th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 87 years old

An English actor, writer, and director, he contributed to the film and television industry while also engaging in political activism. Portrayed Captain Mike Yates in the long-running television series 'Doctor Who' from 1971 to 1974. In addition to acting, he wrote for television and stage productions, demonstrating versatility across multiple disciplines. His work encompassed various genres, contributing significantly to British entertainment over several decades.

Continue Reading

Jesús Alou

Dominican baseball player and outfielder
Born
March 24th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 81 years old

A professional baseball outfielder played primarily for the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1963 and played until 1974, achieving a career batting average of .280. Also made significant contributions while playing with the Montreal Expos and the Oakland Athletics. A member of the Alou family, which included two brothers who also played in the Major Leagues.

Continue Reading

Hans Modrow

Politician and 5th Prime Minister of East Germany
Born
January 27th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old

A lawyer and politician, served as the 5th Prime Minister of East Germany during a critical period of political change. Assumed office in November 1989, leading the government during the country's transition from a socialist regime to a reunified Germany. Presided over significant reforms and played a role in facilitating the peaceful process of reunification. Continued involvement in politics after leaving office, contributing to discussions on German unity and social democracy.

Continue Reading