What Happened This Year 2023

People Who Died in 2023

Tom Pendry

English politician and life peer
Born
June 10th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in British politics, served as a Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde from 1970 to 1997. Elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer in 1997, contributing to various committees and campaigns. Involved in sports advocacy, particularly in football. Served as the chairman of the Football Trust. Played a significant role in promoting sports policies within the Labour Party, engaging in discussions about sports funding and development.

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Gianluca Vialli

Footballer and coach, UEFA Champions League winner
Born
July 9th, 1964 61 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 59 years old

Played as a forward for clubs such as Sampdoria and Juventus. Achieved significant success in Serie A and won the Coppa Italia. Transitioned to a coaching role, guiding Chelsea to victory in the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the 2000 FA Cup. Represented Italy in international competitions, earning over 40 caps and participating in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. Vialli's career was marked by technical skill and leadership on the field.

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David Durenberger

American politician and former senator
Born
August 19th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 89 years old

Served as a United States Senator from Minnesota from 1978 to 1995. Played a significant role in health care reform, particularly regarding Medicare and managed care. After leaving the Senate, engaged in various public speaking and consulting roles, particularly focusing on issues related to health policy and politics.

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Richard Roundtree

Actor acclaimed for 'Shaft'
Born
July 9th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 81 years old

Became a prominent figure in American cinema with the release of the film 'Shaft' in 1971, which established the character John Shaft as a cultural icon in the blaxploitation genre. The film's success led to a sequel and a remake, solidifying the character's legacy within popular culture. In addition to 'Shaft', appeared in various television series and films throughout the 1970s and beyond, showcasing a versatility in roles. Roundtree's portrayal of John Shaft has resonated with audiences for decades, influencing a generation of filmmakers and actors within the genre.

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Shinji Tanimura

Singer-songwriter with iconic ballads
Born
December 11th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 75 years old

Shinji Tanimura is a Japanese singer-songwriter who achieved widespread recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. Tanimura began his career with the group Arashi and later pursued a successful solo career. His music often blends traditional Japanese sounds with contemporary pop, leading to a unique style. Hits like 'Kizuna' and 'Kokoro No Naka Ni' resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying his status in the J-Pop genre. Tanimura's songs often reflect themes of love and nostalgia, appealing to a wide demographic across Japan.

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Paxton Whitehead

English Actor in 'The Last Unicorn'
Born
October 17th, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 86 years old

An English actor, acclaimed for roles in television and film. Played a noteworthy part in 'The Last Unicorn', which contributed to its cult status. Appeared in various British television shows, including 'Basil Brush' and 'The Good Life'. Worked extensively in theater, showcasing a range of performances in classic and contemporary plays. Known for a distinctive voice that lent itself well to animated roles and voiceovers.

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Burt Bacharach

Singer-songwriter and composer of film scores
Born
May 12th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in the music industry, this artist gained recognition for composing numerous hit songs and film scores. Collaborations with lyricist Hal David resulted in iconic tracks such as 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head' and 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again.' The artist also received critical acclaim for creating the soundtrack for the film 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.' With a unique style incorporating elements of jazz, pop, and classical music, contributed to a significant body of work across several decades. In addition to songwriting, involved in producing and arranging music, leading to a distinguished career that influenced many contemporary artists.

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Jesse McReynolds

Mandolin player and bluegrass musician
Born
July 9th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent American musician, played a significant role in popularizing bluegrass music alongside his brother, playing mandolin and providing vocals in the duo Jim & Jesse. The duo's career spanned over six decades, featuring a blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass styles. They were notable for their work in the Grand Ole Opry, performing there from the late 1950s onward. Contributions included several recordings that reflected their unique sound, characterized by intricate harmonies and innovative instrumentation.

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Federico Bahamontes

Spanish professional road cyclist
Born
July 9th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent professional road cyclist from Spain, he achieved great success in the 1950s and 1960s. Particularly recognized for exceptional climbing abilities, he won the Tour de France in 1959, becoming the first Spanish cyclist to do so. His prowess in mountainous stages established a legacy within the cycling community. Additionally, he secured multiple wins in the Vuelta a España, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top climbers of his era.

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