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2020 by Kelly Sikkema on

20 Famous People Who Died in 2020

2020 was a tumultuous year to say the very least. There were many significant events and changes around the world.

From, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Black Lives Matter protests, to rampant forest fires, and the Beirut explosion. The entire year was marred with loss and grief. It marked the passing of many people around the world including prominent figures.

From legendary athletes to beloved actors and cultural icons, the year saw the end of many lives that had made a significant impact on the world. This essay will honor their memories by examining their lives, their achievements, and their legacies.

1. King Von

Rapper King Von by Danny Rome –

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, popularly known as King Von was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was born on December 31, 1994. Von was a popular rapper and songwriter who rose to fame with his gritty, street-inspired rhymes and charismatic performances.

He had a troubled upbringing, but he channeled his experiences into his music, which often dealt with themes of crime, violence, and poverty. Von released several mixtapes and albums that were well-received by fans and critics alike. He released 2 studio albums in his shortlived career, Welcome to O’Block (2020) and What It Means to Be King (2022).

King Von died on November 6, 2020, as a result of a shooting in Atlanta, Georgia at 26 years old. Despite his short career, King Von had already established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the rap world.

2. Sean Connery

An image of Sean Connery with an Aston Martin DB5 by Steven Lek –

Many have played the character of James Bond over the years but Sean Connery set high standards for the suave hero. He was born on August 25, 1930, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Connery portrayed James Bond in seven films from 1962 to 1983. He was a versatile performer who appeared in a wide range of genres, from action and adventure to drama and comedy.

Other than Bond, he had some great roles in his career including in; The Untouchables (1987), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), and Dragonheart (1996).

Sean died on October 31, 2020, at the age of 90. He was remembered as a trailblazer in the film industry and as a beloved cultural icon. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.

3. Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman by Gage Skidmore –

Chadwick Boseman was born on November 29, 1976, in Anderson, South Carolina. He was an actor best known for his powerful performances in films such as “42” (2013), “Get on Up” (2014), and “Black Panther” (2018).

Boseman was a trailblazer in the film industry and used his platform to bring attention to issues of race and representation. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation and was praised for his dedication to his craft.

Chadwick Boseman died on August 28, 2020, after a long battle with colon cancer at just 43 years old. Despite his untimely death, Boseman left a lasting legacy, both as an actor and as an advocate for social justice. His performances continue to inspire audiences, and he will always be remembered as a symbol of hope and progress in Hollywood.

4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg 2016 portrait by Supreme Court of the United States –

Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. She was a Lawyer, Supreme Court Justice, and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights.

Throughout her legal career, Ginsburg fought tirelessly to advance the cause of equality and to challenge the systemic biases that held women back. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 and became one of the most influential justices of her generation.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87. She was remembered as a tireless champion of justice and a beloved figure in American public life.

5. Kobe Bryant

Bryant driving towards the basket by Keith Allison –

The Black Mamba, the 8th Wonder of the World, and Mr. 81 are just a few nicknames given to the G.O.A.T Kobe Bryant. Full name Kobe Bean Bryant, he was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was a professional basketball player who spent 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kobe was, and remains, one of the most talented and accomplished players of his generation, earning five championships and two Olympic gold.

Mr. 81 died on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Other casualties include his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, six family friends, a pilot, and Ara Zobayan.

He was 41 years old. Despite his untimely death, Kobe’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time remains strong, and he continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.

6. Zindzi Mandela

President Barack Obama and Zindzi and Zenani Mandela, Nov. 7, 2013. Photo by Pete Souza –

Zindziswa “Zindzi” Mandela was a South African diplomat, poet, and daughter of the great Nelson Mandela. She was born on December 23, 1959, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was also referred to as Zindzi Mandela-Hlongwane.

Zindzi was a human rights activist and a vocal advocate for equality and justice in South Africa. She used her platform to speak out against apartheid and to promote the cause of freedom and dignity for all South Africans. Zindzi Mandela died on July 13, 2020, at the age of 60.

7. Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston by Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn –

 Kelly Kamalelehua Smith was born on October 13, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was an actress and model who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows throughout her career.

Kelly was best known for her roles in films such as “Twins” (1988), 鈥淲hat a Girl Wants鈥� (2003), and “Old Dogs鈥� (2009).  She was married to John Travolta, with whom she had three children.

Kelly Preston died on July 12, 2020, after a long battle with breast cancer at 57 years old. Despite her untimely death, Kelly remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and is remembered for her talent, beauty, and grace.

8. Gregory Tyree Boyce

Gregory Boyce was an actor born on December 20th, 1984, in Compton, California. He was best known for his role as Tyler Crowley in the Twilight film series.

Gregory was known for his easy smile and his warm personality, and he was beloved by fans and colleagues alike. Gregory Tyree Boyce died on May 13, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The exact cause of his death according to the Clark County coroner鈥檚 office was determined to be an accidental fentanyl and cocaine intoxication.

9. Sunshant Singh

Rajput with Kriti Sanon at a promotional event for Raabta in Kolkata by Sou Boyy –

Sushant Singh Rajput was a young Indian actor who rose to prominence in the Indian film industry. He starred in some very successful Indian films such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Kedarnath (2018), and Chhichhore (2019).

 He was born on April 20, 1996, in Delhi, India. He passed away on June 14, 2020, at the age of 34, in Mumbai, India. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging, but it sparked controversy and speculation, leading to investigations and media coverage.

10. Nikita Pearl Waligwa

A poster for Queen of Katwe by IMP Awards –

Waligwa was a young Ugandan actress who rose to prominence for her role in the film Queen of Katwe (2016). She was born on August 6, 2005, in Kampala, Uganda, and began acting at a young age.

Her natural talent and infectious personality quickly made her a popular figure in the Ugandan film community. Her role in “Queen of Katwe” brought her international recognition and cemented her status as a rising star in the world of acting.

Nikita Pearl Waligwa died on February 15, 2020, at the age of 15, after a long battle with a brain tumor. Despite her untimely death, Waligwa remains a beloved figure in the African and global film community.

11. Fred Willard

Fred Willard at the Farm Sanctuary 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City by Bridget Laudien –

Frederic Charles Willard was an American comedian, actor, and writer. Born on September 18, 1939, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Willard was a familiar face in American popular culture, appearing in numerous films, television shows, and comedy acts over the course of his career.

He was best known for his roles in the films “This is Spinal Tap” (1984) and “Best in Show” (2000). He was also a regular contributor to the television show “Fernwood 2 Night.”

Fred was a recurring character in the American sitcom Modern Family as Frank Dunphy. He died on May 15, 2020, at the age of 80 due to natural causes.

12. Betty Wright

Betty Wright singing by Keith.walters –

Bessie Regina Norris, stage name Betty Wright, was an American soul and R&B singer and songwriter. She was known for her powerful voice and her contributions to the soul and R&B genres.

Born on December 21, 1953, in Miami, Florida, Wright began her career as a child prodigy. She quickly established herself as one of the leading voices of soul music in the 1960s and 1970s. Her hits, include “Clean Up Woman” and “Tonight is the Night,” among many others.

Betty Wright died on May 10, 2020, at the age of 66, after a long and illustrious career in the music industry due to cancer.

13. Pop Smoke

Pop Smoke in 2020 by unknown author –

Bashar Barakah Jackson was an American rapper who rose to prominence due to his distinctive style and his contributions to the trap music genre. Born on July 20, 1999, in Brooklyn, New York, Pop Smoke began making music as a teenager.

He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and innovative rappers of his generation. His music was characterized by its raw energy, its hard-hitting beats, and its unapologetic lyrics, and he quickly gained a devoted following of fans and admirers.

Pop Smoke died on February 19, 2020, at the age of 20, after a shootout at a home in Hollywood Hills, California.

14. Rocky Johnson

Rocky Johnson in a professional wrestling program from 28 June 1976 by an unknown author –

Wayde Douglas Bowles was a Canadian professional wrestler. Recognized as Rocky Johnson, he was best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the 1970s and 1980s.

Fun fact, he is the father of wrestler and movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Born on August 24, 1944, in Nova Scotia, Canada, Johnson was a trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling.

He was one of the first African American world champions in the history of the sport. Rocky Johnson died on January 15th, 2020, at the age of 75, from a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung).

15. Kenny Rogers

Rocky Johnson in a professional wrestling program from 28 June 1976 by an unknown author –

Kenneth Ray Rogers was an American country music singer and songwriter. He was known for his warm voice and his contributions to the country music genre.

Born on August 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas, Rogers began his career as a rock and roll singer in the 1950s and 1960s. He found his true calling as a country music singer in the 1970s and 1980s.

His hits, including “The Gambler”, “Islands in the Stream”, and “Lady” established him as a major figure in the country music world. Kenny died on March 20th, 2020, at 81 due to natural causes.

16. Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan with Tabu by Bollywood Hungama –

Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan, known as Irrfan Khan was an Indian film actor. He was widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile Indian actors of his generation.

Irrfan was born on January 7, 1967, in Jaipur, India. He went on to achieve international acclaim for his work in films such as Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Life of Pi (2012), and The Lunchbox (2013).

He was widely recognized for his talent and versatility as an actor. Irrfan Khan died on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53, after a battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

17. John Thompson Jr.

Thompson (left) with President Ronald Reagan and Patrick Ewing after Georgetown won the 1984 national title by Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum/White House –

Thompson was an American college basketball coach. He was best known for his work as the head coach of the Georgetown University men’s basketball team.

Born on September 2, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Thompson was a legendary figure in the world of college basketball. He was known for his success on the court and his commitment to social justice and equality off the court.

He led Georgetown to three NCAA Final Four appearances, and he was widely regarded as one of the all-time greats of college basketball coaching. John Thompson Jr. died on August 30, 2020, at the age of 78.

18. Maradona

Maradona celebrating Goal of the Century (second goal) against England (1986 World Cup) by Dani Yako –

Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine professional footballer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers, of all time, the GOAT if you will.

Born on October 30, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Maradona rose to prominence as a young talent. This was thanks to his performances for the Argentine national team and for his club teams in Argentina and Italy.

He was a legendary performer, known for his incredible dribbling skills, his incredible goals, and his larger-than-life personality. Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.

19. David Prowse

David Prowse (the actor wearing Darth Vader costume in the original STAR WARS-Trilogy) by Xanathon –

David Charles Prowse was an English actor, bodybuilder, strongman, and weightlifter. He is recognized as the physical actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy.

Born on July 1, 1935, in Bristol, England, Prowse began his acting career in the 1960s and went on to achieve international fame for his work as the iconic Star Wars character. David Prowse died on November 28, 2020, at the age of 85.

20. John Lewis

John Lewis on a civil rights pilgrimage by Barbara Lee –

John Robert Lewis was an American civil rights activist and politician. He was best known for his work as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, Lewis was a charismatic and passionate advocate for racial equality and justice. He was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, participating in historic events such as the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches. John Lewis died on July 17, 2020, at the age of 80, after an 8-month struggle with pancreatic cancer.

In conclusion, 2020 was a year marked by the loss of many talented and beloved figures from a wide range of industries and fields. From musicians and actors to athletes and comedians to activists and politicians. The legacies of these individuals are a testament to their incredible impact on the world. May they rest in peace.