2020 deaths: Most notable deaths from Maradona and Sean Connery to Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2020 has been a historic year due to the global coronavirus pandemic but which notable deaths have happened this year?
John le Carré: Author dead at age 89
2020 has been a year unlike any other with unprecedented wildfires in Australia at the start of the year and the coronavirus pandemic spreading around the world. More than 1.7 million people have died as a result of Covid-19 but in a year full of tragedy, which of the world’s greatest stars have died so far?
Rocky Johnson
Rocky Johnson is the father of American actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who was a wrestler.
He became National Wrestling Alliance Georgia Champion and NWA Southern Heavyweight Memphis Champion during his career.
He died on January 15, aged 74.
Derek Fowlds
Derek Fowlds was best known for his roles on Yes Minister and Heartbeat.
He died on January 17, aged 82, after suffering from pneumonia which led to heart failure caused by sepsis.
Terry Jones
Mr Jones was an original member of the legendary Monty Python comedy troupe.
He was largely responsible for organising the group after meeting Michael Palin at Oxford University.
The Monty Python founder died on January 21, aged 77, after battling a rare form of dementia.
Nicolas Parsons
Nicholas Parsons was best known as the host of the BBC Radio 4 comedy show Just A Minute.
He also presented shows such as Sale of the Century.
Mr Parsons died on January 28, aged 96.
Kirk Douglas
Actor Kirk Douglas became an international star for his role in Champion in 1949.
He went on to star in more than 90 films and was known for his explosive acting style in Town Without Pity in 1961.
Mr Douglas died in California on February 5, aged 103.
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John Shrapnel
Mr Shrapnel was an English actor best known for his stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre.
He died on February 14, aged 77.
Kobe Bryant
Mr Bryant was a legendary five-time NBA Champion and USA basketball sensation.
He tragically died, aged 41, after he and his daughter were involved in a helicopter crash on February 26.
Caroline Flack
Ms Flack was best known as a TV presenter on shows such as Gladiators, Love Island, The X Factor and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now.
TV presenter Caroline flack died on February 15 after she was found dead in her East London flat.
Harry Gregg
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg was a survivor of the Munich air disaster in 1958.
He died aged 87 on February 16.
Pop Smoke
American rapper Pop Smoke became popular after his single Welcome to the Party was released.
He died in a shooting on February 19, aged 20.
Michael Medwin
Actor Michael Medwin was most renowned for his roles in Carry On Nurse, tv detective drama Shoestring and musical film Scrooge.
He died on February 26, aged 96.
Max Von Sydow
Mr Von Sydow was an actor best known for his roles in many cult favourites including The Exorcist, Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
He died on March 8, aged 90.
Kenny Rogers
The country music legend had a career spanning more than six decades until his death on March 20, aged 81.
Bill Withers
Mr Withers was a soul singer best known for his hits Ain’t No Sunshine, Lean On Me and Lovely Day.
He died on April 3, aged 81.
Honor Blackman
Ms Blackman, who was best known for her role as Pussy Galore in James Bond film Goldfinger, died aged 94 on April 6.
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Sir Stirling Moss OBE
Sir Stirling was a motor-racing legend who won 212 races out of his 529 total but he famously never won a Formula One title.
He died on April 12, aged 90.
June Bernicoff
Ms Bernicoff was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 show Gogglebox.
She died on May 5 following a short illness.
Dame Vera Lynn
Dame Vera Lynn was best known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart” and was an English singer, songwriter and entertainer.
She had been active in the music industry for 96 years at the time of her death on June 18.
Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland was the last major surviving star from the Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema, until her death on July 26.
John Hume
Politician John Hume was best known for his role in the Northern Ireland peace process - for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998.
He died on August 3, aged 83.
Chi Chi DeVayne
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne was hospitalised with pneumonia in August and later died aged 34 on August 20.
Chadwick Boseman
Actor Chadwick Boseman was best known for his role as the Marvel superhero Black Panther.
He died on August 28, aged 43, following a battle with colon cancer.
Dame Diana Rigg
Actress Diana Rigg held a long career with many roles including appearing in a Bond movie, Game of Thrones and The Avengers.
She died aged 82 on September 10.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a distinguished judge who had a career spanning many decades.
The Supreme Court Justice of America died on September 18, aged 87.
Margaret Nolan
Actress Margaret Nolan was a former Bond girl who also appeared in several iconic British films such as Carry On Girls and No Sex Please We’re British.
She died on October 5, aged 76.
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Eddie Van Halen
The Van Halen founder died on October 6 after a protracted battle with throat cancer.
Johnny Nash
American reggae singer-songwriter Johnny Nash became popular with his 1972 hit I Can See Clearly Now.
He died on October 6, aged 80.
Nobby Stiles
England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles was part of the English team when the team won the tournament in 1966.
He earned 28 caps for his country and died on October 30, aged 78.
Sir Sean Connery
Scottish actor Sir Sean was best known for his role as James Bond.
The actor died on October 31, aged 90.
Geoffrey Palmer
Actor Mr Palmer starred in several sitcoms during his career, including his role in As Time Goes By with Dame Judi Dench.
He died on November 5, aged 93.
Des O’Connor
Comedian, singer and television presenter Des O’Connor hosted many shows including Countdown, Take Your Pick and The Des O’Connor Show.
He died on November 14, aged 88.
Diego Maradona
Football icon Diego Maradona was considered to be the greatest football player of all time and he died on November 25, aged 60.
Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor was best known for her roles on Eastenders and Carry On.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and died aged 83 on December 10.
John Le Carre
Author John Le Carre was best known for penning spy novels including Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
He died on December 12, aged 89.