What Happened This Year 2023

People Who Died in 2023

Joe Kapp

American football player and coach
Born
March 19th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 85 years old

Played quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and led the team to Super Bowl IV. Transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team and earning a Rose Bowl victory in 1962. Had a brief acting career, featuring in films and television shows.

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Vassilis Vassilikos

Greek journalist and diplomat
Born
November 18th, 1933 91 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 90 years old

Contributed to journalism and diplomacy in Greece, particularly through literary works and political engagement. Authored the novel 'Z' which critiques the political climate of Greece, reflecting on the events surrounding the assassination of leftist politician Gregoris Lambrakis. Worked as a diplomat, representing Greece in various international contexts and advocating for human rights and democratic values.

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Bruno Mealli

Italian professional cyclist
Born
November 20th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 86 years old

Competed as a professional cyclist primarily in road racing. Participated in the Giro d'Italia and was part of various national and international races throughout the 1960s. Achieved notable success in several stages and classifications during key cycling events. Accumulated experience with various cycling teams before retiring from professional competition.

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Marinho Peres

Footballer and coach; played for Brazil
Born
March 19th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 76 years old

A Brazilian footballer and coach, played as a defender during the 1970s. Won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with São Paulo FC and participated in the 1974 FIFA World Cup as a member of the Brazilian national team. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, leading various clubs in Brazil. His coaching career spans multiple decades, overseeing teams in domestic leagues and contributing to the development of players.

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Christopher Gunning

English composer of film scores
Born
August 5th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1944, a prolific English composer focused on creating music for film and television. Gunning gained recognition for scoring the acclaimed television series 'Agatha Christie's Poirot' and the film 'The Mysteries of the Black Widow.' His work spans multiple genres, reflecting a deep understanding of orchestration and narrative support through music. With a career extending over several decades, he contributed extensively to British television and cinema through his compositions.

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Jacques Delors

French economist and European Commission President
Born
July 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 98 years old

An influential economist and politician served as the 8th President of the European Commission from 1985 to 1995. Focused on European integration, emphasizing economic and monetary union. Championed the creation of the euro, influencing monetary policy across member states. Fostered the Single European Act, promoting the establishment of a single internal market. Played a significant role in enhancing the role of the European Parliament in decision-making processes.

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Richard Belzer

Actor known for Law & Order: SVU role
Born
August 4th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 79 years old

An American actor, comedian, and author, became widely recognized for a role as John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, appearing in the series from its inception in 1999 until 2016. Munch originally originated in Homicide: Life on the Street and appeared in multiple crossover episodes within other shows in the franchise. Belzer also had roles in films including Café Society and The Midnight Express. In addition to acting, he authored several books, often focusing on conspiracy theories and current events. With a career spanning several decades, Belzer left a mark on both television and the comedy circuit.

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Julius W. Becton Jr.

U.S. Lieutenant General, Army leader
Born
June 29th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 97 years old

Born in 1926, a career in the U.S. Army spanned over three decades. Achievements included serving in key military roles, notably as the commander of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. Contributed to the establishment of military strategies during various operations. After retirement from active duty, served as the president of the Texas Southern University, influencing the academic landscape.

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Peter Brötzmann

Saxophonist and clarinet player, free jazz
Born
March 6th, 1941 84 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 82 years old

Born in Germany, an influential saxophonist and clarinet player emerged in the free jazz scene. In 1967, released the album 'Machine Gun', which became a seminal work in avant-garde jazz. Collaborated with various musicians, helping to shape the improvisational music landscape in Europe and beyond. Brötzmann led numerous ensembles and participated in numerous festivals, contributing to the development of the genre. His work often featured intense and explosive performances, showcasing a unique style that blended tradition with innovation.

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