As 2023 comes to a close, the Thursday news quiz takes a moment to reflect on the notable figures we lost over the past year. This annual in memoriam edition serves as a tribute to those who made significant contributions to pop culture, sports, and public life. Participants are invited to test their knowledge of these personalities through a series of trivia questions, celebrating the joy they brought to many.
Honoring Those We Lost
The quiz opens with a question about the influential electronic music duo Soft Cell. *Dave Ball*, who passed away in October, was a key figure in the early 1980s music scene. Participants must recall the original artist behind their iconic hit “Tainted Love,” with options including Gloria Jones and Brenda Holloway.
Next, the quiz pays homage to *Patricia Routledge*, best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the popular sitcom “Keeping Up Appearances.” Participants are prompted to identify the name of the detective series she starred in, with choices like “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.”
The quiz also remembers *Michelle Trachtenberg*, whose untimely passing at the age of 39 shocked many. As Buffy’s sister in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” she left a lasting impression. The question challenges participants to recall her character’s name, with options such as “April” and “Hannah.”
A Celebration of Talent Across Fields
*Ricky Hatton*, the former world boxing champion and die-hard Manchester City supporter, died in September. The quiz asks when he made his professional boxing debut, offering options from 1977 to 2007.
The world of sports also remembers *Dickie Bird*, a legendary cricket umpire who passed away in September. The quiz includes a question about the location of his statue, with choices like Barnsley and Harrogate.
In the realm of film, the quiz recognizes *Robert Redford*, who contributed significantly to the film industry. Participants must identify which organization he helped found, with the Sundance Film Festival among the options.
The quiz continues with questions about other notable figures, including *Brian Wilson* of the Beach Boys, *Gene Hackman*, and *Jim Lovell*, an astronaut who flew on the historic Apollo missions. Each question serves as a reminder of the impact these individuals had on their respective fields.
In a poignant twist, the quiz addresses the tragic loss of *Diogo Jota*, a rising star in football, who died in a car accident in Spain in July. The question asks where Jota joined Liverpool from in 2020, highlighting his brief but impactful career.
As participants navigate through the quiz, they not only recall facts but also reflect on the memories and joy these personalities brought to their lives.
In closing, the Thursday news quiz invites everyone to share their scores and memories in the comments. It serves as a reminder that while these figures may be gone, their contributions continue to resonate in our culture.
