Famous people and celebrities who died on May 20

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

• 1506 Christopher Columbus

  Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator who completed four transatlantic voyages between 1492 and 1504 under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, which led to the opening of the Americas to European colonization and significant global historical changes. [bio]

• 1940 Carl Gustaf Verner von Heidenstam

  Prize laureate in recognition of his significance as the leading representative of a new era in our literature.

• 1940 Verner von Heidenstam

  Swedish author and poet, nobel prize laureate (b. 1859).

• 1947 Philipp Eduard Anton von Lenard

  Prize laureate for his work on cathode rays.

• 1947 Philipp Lenard

  Slovak-german physicist and academic, nobel prize laureate (b. 1862).

• 1975 Barbara Hepworth

  A pioneering British sculptor who significantly influenced modern art, known for her abstract and organic sculptural forms in stone, wood,...

• 1976 Zelmar Michelini

  Prominent Uruguayan journalist and political activist who was assassinated during the military dictatorship, known for his human rights...

• 1989 Gilda Radner

  Gilda Radner was an American comedian and actress best known as one of the original cast members of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL). Her vibrant characters and comedic timing made her a trailblazer in the world of sketch comedy. [bio]

• 1989 Anton Diffring

  Anton Diffring was a German-born British actor best known for his roles as German officers and villains in British and American films during the mid-20th century. His distinctive appearance and fluent English led to a prolific career, especially in war movies and thrillers. [bio]

• 1989 John Hicks

  English economist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1989).

• 1996 Jon Pertwee

  Jon Pertwee was an English actor, comedian, and cabaret performer, best known for his portrayal of the Third Doctor in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, and as the title character in the children's series Worzel Gummidge. [bio]

• 1996 Janaki Ramachandran

  Janaki Ramachandran was a notable Indian physicist who made significant contributions to solid-state physics and materials science research.

• 2000 Jean-Pierre Rampal

  Renowned French classical flutist who revolutionized the flute's status as a solo concert instrument, famous for his collaboration with...

• 2001 Renato Carosone

  Renato Carosone was a legendary Italian musician who revolutionized Neapolitan music with his unique blend of jazz, swing, and traditional...

• 2002 Stephen Gould

  Renowned American paleontologist and evolutionary biologist from Harvard University, famous for his groundbreaking work on evolutionary...

• 2005 Paul Ricœur

  Prominent French philosopher and academic known for his work in hermeneutics and phenomenology.

• 2008 Hamilton Jordan

  Influential political strategist who served as White House Chief of Staff under President Jimmy Carter.

• 2009 Lucy Gordon

  Lucy Gordon was an English actress and model known for her roles in films such as 'The Four Feathers' and 'Spider-Man 3'. Her career showed promise both in modeling and in acting prior to her untimely passing in 2009. [bio]

• 2011 Randy Savage

  Professional wrestler known as 'Macho Man', WWE Hall of Fame inductee famous for his charismatic personality and iconic wrestling style.

• 2012 Robin Gibb

  Legendary Bee Gees member and influential pop music singer-songwriter who significantly shaped the disco and pop music landscape of the...

• 2012 Eugene Polley

  Pioneering inventor who created the first wireless television remote control for Zenith Electronics, fundamentally changing home...

• 2012 Ken Lyons

  Ken Lyons was an American bass guitarist known for his work with the rock band 38 Special, contributing to their distinctive Southern rock...

• 2013 Ray Manzarek

  Legendary keyboardist and co-founder of the iconic rock band The Doors, who played a crucial role in shaping the band's distinctive sound...

• 2014 Barbara Murray

  Barbara Murray was an English actress best known for her work in film and television, especially during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained notable attention for her role as Lady Pamela Wilder in the British television drama 'The Plane Makers' and its sequel 'The Power Game.' [bio]

• 2014 Prince Rupert Loewenstein

  A prominent Spanish-English banker and business manager best known for managing the financial affairs of the Rolling Stones for decades.

• 2019 Niki Lauda

  Legendary Austrian Formula One driver who survived a near-fatal crash and returned to racing, winning three world championships.

• 2022 Susan Roces

  Susan Roces was a renowned Filipina actress, known as the 'Queen of Philippine Movies' for her extensive career and acclaimed roles in film and television. Her work spanned over seven decades, making her a beloved figure in the Philippine entertainment industry. [bio]

• 2022 Roger Angell

  Renowned New Yorker writer and baseball essayist who was widely considered one of the most eloquent and insightful sports journalists of the...