Famous people and celebrities who died in 2020

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2020. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

Jan. 21 Terry Jones
Renowned British comedian, writer, and medieval historian, best known as a key member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe. He was a multifaceted artist who contributed significantly to comedy, literature, and historical scholarship.
Jan. 26 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was a legendary NBA basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Feb. 5 Kirk Douglas
Legendary Hollywood actor known for his powerful performances in 82 films across multiple genres. A prominent figure in cinema history, he was nominated for three Academy Awards and received numerous lifetime achievement honors.
Feb. 8 Robert Conrad
Prominent American television and film actor known for iconic TV series like 'Hawaiian Eye' and 'The Wild Wild West', who starred in notable films such as 'Young Dillinger' and 'Sudden Death'.
March 1 Jack Welch
Legendary business executive who transformed General Electric during his 20-year tenure as CEO, dramatically increasing company value and becoming one of the most influential corporate leaders of the 20th century. His autobiography 'Jack: Straight from the Gut' became a bestseller and provided insights into his groundbreaking management strategies.
March 8 Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow was a legendary Swedish-French actor renowned for his versatile and profound performances in international cinema. He collaborated with iconic directors like Ingmar Bergman and appeared in groundbreaking films across multiple decades. His roles in 'The Seventh Seal', 'The Exorcist', and 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' cemented his status as a global acting legend.
April 5 Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman was a renowned British actress famous for her iconic roles in 'The Avengers' and as Bond girl Pussy Galore in 'Goldfinger'. She was a pioneering actress who broke ground in action and spy genres during the 1960s.
April 15 Ranjit Chowdhry
Versatile Indian actor who successfully worked across Bollywood and Hollywood, known for his character roles and cross-cultural performances.
April 22 Shirley Knight
Acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles in film, television, and theater, winning multiple awards including an Emmy and two Oscar nominations.
April 29 Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan was a critically acclaimed Indian actor who made significant contributions to both Bollywood and Hollywood cinema, known for his nuanced performances in films like 'Life of Pi', 'Slumdog Millionaire', and 'The Namesake'.
April 30 Rishi Kapoor
Legendary Bollywood actor known for his iconic roles in romantic and dramatic films, who was part of the famous Kapoor acting dynasty and had a significant impact on Indian cinema.
May 9 Little Richard
Pioneering rock and roll musician known as the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll', famous for his energetic performances and influential music that helped shape the genre. He was a complex artist who alternated between secular music and gospel ministry throughout his career.
May 11 Jerry Stiller
Renowned American comedian and actor best known for his roles in 'Seinfeld' as Frank Costanza and as Arthur Spooner in 'The King of Queens'. He was also the father of actor Ben Stiller.
June 19 Ian Holm
Acclaimed British actor renowned for iconic roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' as Bilbo Baggins and in 'Alien' as Ash. He was a distinguished stage and screen performer with numerous awards and a distinguished career spanning decades.
July 8 Naya Rivera
Prominent actress known for her role in Glee, who tragically drowned while saving her son during a boating accident in 2020.
July 12 Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston was an accomplished American actress known for her memorable roles in popular films like 'Jerry Maguire' and 'Twins', and was also the wife of actor John Travolta.
July 24 Regis Philbin
Legendary American television host known for his long-running talk show with Kathie Lee and for hosting the popular game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'. He was a charismatic media personality who entertained millions of viewers for decades.
July 26 Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland was a legendary Hollywood actress who won two Academy Awards and was a key star of the Golden Age of Cinema, famously known for her roles in 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'.
Aug. 18 Ben Cross
Ben Cross was a prominent English actor known for his roles in films like 'Chariots of Fire' and stage performances. He had a successful career spanning several decades in theater, film, and television.
Aug. 28 Chadwick Boseman
Acclaimed African American actor known for groundbreaking roles in Black Panther, 42, and Marshall, who tragically died of colon cancer at the height of his career.
Sept. 23 Juliette Gréco
Iconic French singer and actress of the post-war era, known for her influential role in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés cultural scene and her performances in French New Wave cinema.
Sept. 29 Helen Reddy
Iconic Australian-American singer and actress who became a feminist anthem symbol through her Grammy-winning song 'I Am Woman'. She was a significant cultural figure in the 1970s music and entertainment scene, known for her powerful vocals and empowering message.
Oct. 6 Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen was a legendary Dutch-American guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Van Halen, revolutionizing rock guitar playing with his innovative techniques and electrifying performances. Together with his brother Alex, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony, he transformed the rock music landscape in the late 1970s and 1980s. He is widely considered one of the most influential …
Oct. 12 Conchata Ferrell
Well-known American actress famous for her roles in TV series like Two and a Half Men and L.A. Law, where she played memorable supporting characters.
Nov. 5 Geoffrey Palmer
Renowned British actor known for his comedic roles in television series like 'As Time Goes By' and 'Blackadder'. He was a beloved figure in British entertainment with a distinguished acting career spanning several decades.
Nov. 8 Alex Trebek
Canadian-American game show host who became an iconic television personality as the long-time host of 'Jeopardy!' from 1984 to 2020, beloved by millions of viewers.
Nov. 28 David Prowse
Famous British actor best known for physically portraying Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, and also recognized as the Green Cross Code Man in UK road safety campaigns.
Dec. 10 Barbara Windsor
Iconic British actress and comedian famous for her roles in the 'Carry On' film series and her distinctive blonde beehive hairstyle. She was a beloved entertainment figure who significantly influenced British comedy and cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.
Dec. 12 Ann Reinking
Renowned Broadway dancer, choreographer, and actress best known for her work in 'Chicago' and her significant contributions to musical theater during the 1970s and 1980s.
Dec. 12 Charley Pride
Groundbreaking African American country music singer who became the first Black superstar in the genre, selling over 20 million records and winning multiple Grammy Awards.