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. 8 Edd Byrnes
Edd Byrnes was an American actor best known for his role as 'Kookie' in the television series '77 Sunset Strip' and later for his role as Vince Fontaine in the film 'Grease'. He became a pop culture icon in the late 1950s and early 1960s due to his charismatic performances and unique persona. [bio]
Jan. 21 Terry Jones
Terry Jones was a Welsh comedian, writer, actor, film director, and historian best known as a founding member of the influential comedy troupe Monty Python. With a career spanning television, film, and literature, he played a pivotal role in the creation, writing, and performance of Monty Python's Flying Circus and co-directed the iconic films Monty Python and the Holy Grail … [bio]
Jan. 26 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player who spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Recognized as one of the greatest basketball players in history, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star, a five-time NBA champion, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). His influence extended both on and off the court, and he was a … [bio]
Feb. 5 Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas was an American actor, producer, director, and author, widely recognized as one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in more than 90 movies, known for intense, dramatic roles and his distinctive cleft chin. [bio]
Feb. 8 Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad was an American actor, singer, and stuntman best known for his starring role as Secret Service agent James T. West in the television series 'The Wild Wild West.' His rugged persona and action-packed performances made him a household name from the 1960s through the 1980s. [bio]
Feb. 24 Clive Cussler
Clive Cussler was an American adventure novelist and underwater explorer, best known for creating the Dirk Pitt series. He authored dozens of books, many of which became bestsellers and were adapted into films. Cussler also founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which discovered numerous shipwrecks. [bio]
March 1 Jack Welch
Jack Welch was an influential American business executive who served as the Chairman and CEO of General Electric (GE) from 1981 to 2001. Welch is widely recognized for his leadership style, aggressive management strategies, and for transforming GE into one of the world's most valuable companies during his tenure. [bio]
March 8 Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow was a renowned Swedish-French actor, known for his powerful and versatile performances in international cinema across seven decades. He achieved global recognition for his collaborations with director Ingmar Bergman and appeared in major Hollywood films. [bio]
April 5 Honor Blackman
Honor Blackman was an acclaimed English actress best known for her roles as Cathy Gale in the television series 'The Avengers' and as Pussy Galore in the James Bond film 'Goldfinger' (1964). Renowned for her strong screen presence and distinctive voice, she became an icon of 1960s British pop culture. [bio]
April 29 Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan was a renowned Indian actor known for his work across Bollywood, British, and Hollywood cinema. Celebrated for his subtle, powerful performances, Khan received international recognition for his versatility, depth, and the global impact of his work. [bio]
April 30 Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was a renowned Indian actor, director, and producer, celebrated for his work in Hindi cinema over five decades. He was a member of the famous Kapoor family and became known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility in both romantic and character roles. [bio]
May 9 Little Richard
Little Richard was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, often regarded as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll. With his electrifying performances, flamboyant persona, and genre-defining sound, he played a pivotal role in shaping the music scene of the 1950s and influenced countless artists across multiple generations. [bio]
May 11 Jerry Stiller
Jerry Stiller was an American comedian and actor, best known for his work in comedy teams, as well as his roles on television sitcoms such as 'Seinfeld' and 'The King of Queens.' He was widely recognized for his sharp comedic timing and distinctive voice. [bio]
June 19 Ian Holm
Ian Holm was an acclaimed English actor known for his versatility and wide-ranging performances in film, television, and theatre, earning critical recognition across a career that spanned more than five decades. [bio]
July 8 Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera was an American actress, singer, and model best known for her role as Santana Lopez on the television series 'Glee'. Rivera was celebrated for her powerful performances and vocal talent, and she became an influential figure in LGBT representation on television. [bio]
July 12 Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston was an American actress and model, best known for her roles in films such as 'Twins', 'Jerry Maguire', and 'For Love of the Game'. She appeared in over 60 television and film productions in a career spanning more than three decades. [bio]
July 24 Regis Philbin
Regis Philbin was a celebrated American television presenter, actor, and singer, best known as the longtime host of 'Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee' and the original host of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.' He held the Guinness World Record for the most hours on U.S. television. [bio]
July 26 Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland was an acclaimed Anglo-American actress recognized for her pivotal roles during Hollywood's Golden Age. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress and is celebrated for her performances in classics such as 'Gone with the Wind' and 'The Heiress.' [bio]
Aug. 28 Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman was an American actor and playwright best known for his portrayals of notable African American historical figures and superheroes, especially as King T'Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. [bio]
Sept. 23 Juliette Gréco
Juliette Gréco was a legendary French singer and actress, recognized as a key figure in the postwar Parisian existentialist movement. Renowned for her deep, expressive voice and emotive performances, she was celebrated for interpreting songs by leading songwriters and her close association with the literary and artistic elite. [bio]
Oct. 6 Eddie Van Halen
Eddie Van Halen was a legendary Dutch-American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. Renowned for his innovative guitar techniques, such as tapping, Van Halen transformed the sound of rock music in the late 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in history. [bio]
Oct. 12 Conchata Ferrell
Conchata Ferrell was an American actress best known for her role as Berta the housekeeper on the sitcom 'Two and a Half Men.' Known for her sharp comedic timing and distinctive voice, Ferrell was a versatile performer with a long career in television, film, and theater. [bio]
Oct. 31 Sean Connery
Sean Connery was a Scottish actor who gained international fame for his iconic portrayal of James Bond, appearing as the British secret agent in seven feature films between 1962 and 1983. Beyond Bond, Connery won widespread critical acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Untouchables' (1987), and starred in major films such as … [bio]
Nov. 5 Geoffrey Palmer
Geoffrey Palmer was an English actor best known for his extensive work in television and film, particularly for his roles in British sitcoms such as 'Butterflies', 'As Time Goes By', and 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.' Over his long career, Palmer became renowned for his dry wit and deadpan delivery. [bio]
Nov. 8 Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality best known as the long-time host of the quiz show 'Jeopardy!'. [bio]
Nov. 28 David Prowse
David Prowse was an English bodybuilder, weightlifter, and actor, best known for physically portraying Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. Although his face never appeared on screen as Vader (the character was voiced by James Earl Jones), Prowse's imposing stature was instrumental in bringing the iconic villain to life. [bio]
Dec. 10 Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor was an English actress best known for her roles in the 'Carry On' film series and as Peggy Mitchell on the BBC soap opera 'EastEnders.' Her career spanned more than six decades and made her a beloved public figure in British entertainment. [bio]
Dec. 12 Charley Pride
Charley Pride was a pioneering African American country music singer known for breaking racial barriers in the genre. He became the first Black superstar in country music, selling more than 20 million records worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Pride is celebrated for his smooth baritone voice and his string of chart-topping hits during the late 1960s and 1970s. [bio]
Dec. 12 Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking was an acclaimed American actress, dancer, and choreographer, best known for her work in Broadway musicals and her collaborations with Bob Fosse. She was celebrated for her roles in productions like 'Chicago' and for choreographing several stage and film adaptations. [bio]
Dec. 30 Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells was an American actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the classic television sitcom 'Gilligan's Island.' She built a career in television, film, and theater, and became a beloved figure in American pop culture. [bio]