Famous people and celebrities who died on January 20
Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on January 20. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.
- 1947 Josh Gibson
Legendary Negro League baseball player known as the 'Black Babe Ruth', considered one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history who tragically died young.
- 1959 Carl Switzer
Actor (alfalfa - our gang), shot to death at 31
- 1960 Matt Moore
Actor (deluge and coquette), passes away at 72
- 1962 Robinson Jeffers
American poet and writer. his stories and lyric poetry were heavily influenced by dark pessimism regarding the value of human individuality. his "medea", a notable adaptation of the ancient greek, was well-known.
- 1965 Alan Freed
Pioneering rock and roll disc jockey credited with popularizing the term 'rock and roll' and promoting African American music to mainstream audiences in the 1950s.
- 1971 Minanogawa Tōzō
The 34th yokozuna in sumo wrestling history, a prestigious and accomplished Japanese professional sumo wrestler who achieved the highest rank in the sport.
- 1973 Amilcar Cabral
Amilcar Cabral was a revolutionary leader who played a crucial role in the independence movements of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde from Portuguese colonial rule.
- 1983 Manuel Garrincha
Manuel Garrincha was a legendary Brazilian footballer, widely considered one of the greatest dribblers in soccer history. He played a pivotal role in Brazil's World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962, earning the nickname 'Joy of the People'. His extraordinary skill and creativity on the field made him a national hero in Brazil.
- 1984 Johnny Weissmuller
Legendary Olympic swimmer and actor best known for playing Tarzan in 12 films between 1932 and 1948. He won five Olympic gold medals in swimming and became a global pop culture icon through his portrayal of the jungle hero.
- 1988 Philippe de Rothschild
Prominent French wine producer and businessman from the famous Rothschild family, who managed the prestigious Mouton Rothschild vineyard and significantly contributed to Bordeaux wine's global reputation.
- 1989 Beatrice Lillie
Talented comedic actress and singer known for her wit and charm.
- 1990 Barbara Stanwyck
Legendary Hollywood actress nominated four times for an Oscar, known for her versatile roles in classic films from the 1930s and 1940s. She successfully transitioned from film to television, winning an Emmy for her work in the mid-1960s.
- 1993 Audrey Hepburn
Iconic Hollywood actress and humanitarian who became a global style icon and won an Oscar for 'Roman Holiday'. She was renowned for her elegant performances in classic films and her significant humanitarian work with UNICEF.
- 1994 Matt Busby
From 1946-1970, he was the scottish manager of manchester united soccer club. the club was crowned the best in the world by him.
- 1996 Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan was a legendary jazz baritone saxophonist and composer who significantly influenced the cool jazz movement of the 1950s. He collaborated with many jazz greats like Miles Davis and Chet Baker, and is considered one of the most important baritone saxophonists in jazz history.
- 1997 Curt Flood
Pioneering Major League Baseball player who challenged the reserve clause, significantly impacting players' rights and free agency in professional sports.
- 1998 Bobo Brazil
Pioneering African American professional wrestler known for breaking racial barriers in wrestling during the mid-20th century. He was a significant figure in professional wrestling history and helped pave the way for future generations of wrestlers.
- 2002 Carrie Hamilton
Carrie Hamilton was an American actress, singer, and playwright, daughter of legendary comedian Carol Burnett and Joe Hamilton, known for her artistic talents and family legacy.
- 2003 Al Hirschfeld
Renowned caricaturist known for his distinctive black and white line drawings of celebrities, capturing the essence of performing arts and entertainment personalities.
- 2003 Nedra Volz
American character actress known for her comedic roles in television and film during the mid-20th century.
- 2004 Guinn Smith
American athlete and military pilot who excelled in pole vaulting and served his country during his lifetime.
- 2005 Per Borten
Norwegian lawyer and politician who served as the 18th Prime Minister of Norway from 1965 to 1971, playing a significant role in Norwegian political history during the mid-20th century.
- 2012 John Levy
John Levy was a pioneering African American jazz bassist and music manager who played a significant role in promoting jazz musicians during the mid-20th century. He managed notable artists like Cannonball Adderley and George Shearing, helping advance their careers. Levy was also inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the music industry.
- 2014 Claudio Abbado
Renowned Italian conductor who was a leading figure in classical music, known for his exceptional memory and leadership of major orchestras worldwide, including Teatro alla Scala and London Symphony Orchestra.
- 2014 Otis G. Pike
American politician from New York who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was known for his work on the Church Committee investigating intelligence agencies.
- 2016 Edmonde Charles-Roux
A prominent French journalist and writer who made significant contributions to literature and fashion journalism. She was a notable figure at Vogue magazine and wrote influential books about fashion icons like Coco Chanel. Her wartime experiences as a nurse and her literary achievements earned her multiple prestigious French honors.
- 2018 Paul Bocuse
Legendary French chef from Lyon who revolutionized culinary arts through nouvelle cuisine. He was a pioneering restaurateur who emphasized fresh, high-quality ingredients and trained numerous influential chefs. Bocuse is considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century gastronomy.
- 2021 Mira Furlan
Mira Furlan was a renowned Croatian-American actress best known for her iconic roles in science fiction series 'Babylon 5' and 'Lost', where she portrayed memorable characters that left a lasting impact on television.
- 2022 Meat Loaf
Iconic rock singer known for his theatrical performances and epic album 'Bat Out of Hell'. A larger-than-life performer who blended rock opera with passionate storytelling and incredible vocal range.
What Is special about January 20?
Discover what makes January 20 a memorable date