Famous people and celebrities who died on February 20

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on February 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.

• 1778 Laura Bassi

  One of the first women to receive a doctorate degree and the first woman to officially teach at a university in Europe.

• 1907 Henri Moissan

  French chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1852).

• 1916 Klas Pontus Arnoldson

  Swedish journalist and politician, nobel prize laureate (b. 1844).

• 1936 Max Schreck

  Max Schreck was a German actor best known for his iconic role as Count Orlok in the silent horror film 'Nosferatu' (1922), directed by F. W. Murnau. His chilling and distinctive performance has made him a legendary figure in film history. [bio]

• 1961 Percy Grainger

  Australian-born composer and pianist known for his innovative musical compositions.

• 1972 Maria Goeppert-Mayer

  German-american physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1906).

• 1975 Robert Schwarz Strauss

  Prominent American lawyer and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Russia, playing a key role in international relations.

• 1976 Kathryn Kuhlman

  Renowned American evangelist and faith healer who significantly influenced charismatic Christianity in the mid-20th century.

• 1976 René Cassin

  French lawyer and judge, nobel prize laureate (b. 1887).

• 1985 Clarence Nash

  Famous Disney voice actor best known for creating the iconic voice of Donald Duck, a character he voiced for over five decades until his...

• 1987 Wayne Boring

  Wayne Boring was a notable American comic book illustrator, particularly famous for his work on Superman comics during the Golden Age of...

• 1992 Dick York

  Dick York was an American actor best known for his role as Darrin Stephens on the classic television sitcom 'Bewitched.' [bio]

• 1993 Ferruccio Lamborghini

  Legendary Italian industrialist who founded Lamborghini, transforming from tractor manufacturing to creating world-renowned luxury sports...

• 1996 Toru Takemitsu

  Influential Japanese composer who revolutionized contemporary classical music, blending Western avant-garde techniques with traditional...

• 1999 Gene Siskel

  Renowned film critic who co-hosted the popular show 'Siskel & Ebert', revolutionizing movie criticism on television.

• 1999 Sarah Kane

  Influential British playwright who revolutionized contemporary theater with her raw, intense dramatic works before her tragic suicide.

• 2001 Donella Meadows

  Renowned environmental scientist and systems analyst, best known for her groundbreaking work on global sustainability and systems thinking.

• 2003 Orville Freeman

  Prominent American politician who served as Secretary of Agriculture under President John F. Kennedy and was a key figure in Minnesota's...

• 2003 Maurice Blanchot

  Influential French philosopher and writer who significantly impacted poststructuralist thought, with a mysterious persona and active...

• 2005 Sandra Dee

  Sandra Dee was an American actress best known for her roles in 1950s and 1960s films such as 'Gidget' and 'A Summer Place.' She became a teen idol and cultural icon, representing wholesome American youth. [bio]

• 2005 John Raitt

  John Raitt was an American actor and singer best known for his performances in musical theater, particularly for originating leading roles in classic Broadway productions such as 'Carousel,' 'The Pajama Game,' and 'Oklahoma!'. [bio]

• 2005 Hunter S. Thompson

  Pioneering American journalist and author who founded gonzo journalism, a radical style of first-person reporting that blurred lines between...

• 2006 Curt Gowdy

  Legendary American sportscaster known for broadcasting baseball, football, and other major sporting events during the 1960s and 1970s.

• 2010 Alexander Haig

  Alexander Haig was a United States Army general and statesman, best known for serving as U.S. Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan and as White House Chief of Staff under Presidents Nixon and Ford. [bio]

• 2014 Garrick Utley

  Garrick Utley was a respected American journalist who had a distinguished career at NBC News, known for his insightful reporting and...

• 2015 Govind Pansare

  Prominent Indian rationalist writer and activist who was assassinated for his progressive views challenging religious orthodoxy and social...

• 2017 Vitaly Churkin

  Prominent Russian diplomat who played a crucial role at the United Nations, representing Russia's diplomatic interests from 2006 until his...