As 2023 comes to a close, a special edition of the Thursday news quiz has been released, honoring notable figures from the worlds of pop culture, sports, and public life who passed away this year. This annual tribute allows participants to reflect on the contributions and legacies of these individuals through a series of trivia questions about their lives and careers.
Among the remarkable talents remembered is Dave Ball, co-creator of the iconic electronic duo Soft Cell, who died in October. The quiz begins with a question about their famous track “Tainted Love,” prompting participants to recall the original artist behind the hit.
Another celebrated figure featured is Patricia Routledge, known for her memorable portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved television series “Keeping Up Appearances.” The quiz poses a question regarding her detective series role in “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.”
The entertainment world mourned the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, who passed away at the young age of 39. She is remembered for her role as Buffy’s sister in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” with a quiz question asking participants to identify her character’s name.
In the realm of sports, the quiz highlights former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, who died in September. His professional debut is a point of trivia, inviting fans to recall the year he first stepped into the ring.
The quiz also remembers Gene Hackman, who won his first Academy Award for “The French Connection.” Participants are tasked with identifying the film that earned him this accolade after his passing in February.
The quiz pays tribute to Pope Francis, who died in April, prompting a question about his birthplace in Argentina. Also commemorated is Diogo Jota, a footballer whose tragic death in a car accident shocked the sports community. Players are asked to remember the club he joined Liverpool from in 2020.
Other notable figures include Frederick Forsyth, who died in June, renowned for his novel “The Day of the Jackal,” and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, who passed away over the summer. Participants are invited to recall the original name of the band before they achieved fame.
Lastly, the quiz features the late Tom Lehrer, known for his satirical songs, with a light-hearted question about his whimsical pastime of “poisoning squirrels in the park.”
This in memoriam edition of the Thursday news quiz not only serves as a reflection on the past year but also as a celebration of the joy and inspiration these figures brought to countless lives. Participants are encouraged to share their scores and memories in the comments, fostering a communal remembrance of these beloved icons.
