This year, unfortunately, we said goodbye to many important stars.
In January, we lost an NBA star in a helicopter crash Kobe Bryant, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. In July, Glee fans said goodbye to Naya Rivera. The Black Panther star passed away at the age of 43. Chadwick Boseman, and in the 90s, a legendary actor left this world Sir Sean Connery. Who are the dead stars of 2020 who left us in this crazy year?
Kobe Bryant, January 26
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The NBA star died in January in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Kobe was traveling with eight other people, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. The plane is said to have crashed "due to foggy weather conditions" and a small fire broke out. There were no survivors.
Kirk Douglas, February 5
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Kirk Douglas has died at the age of 103. His son Michael Douglas posted the news of his death on Facebook and wrote: "He was a legend to the world... But to me and my brothers Jioel and Peter he was simply a father, to Catherine a wonderful father-in-law, to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren a loving grandfather and to his wife Ana a wonderful husband."
Little Richard, May 9
The legendary Tutti Frutti singer died on May 9 of bone cancer. He was 87 years old.
Jerry Stiller, May 11
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The actor, whose memorable roles include Seinfeld and Homeland, died in May of this year aged 92. His son Ben Stiller confirmed the death: "I am saddened to announce that my father, Jerry Stiller, has died of natural causes. He was a great father and grandfather and the most devoted husband to Anne for about 62 years. I will miss him very much. I love you, dad.”
Naya Rivera, July 8, 2020
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The Glee actress was found dead on July 13, five days after she disappeared while boating with her 4-year-old son, Josey Dorsey (she shared custody with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey). She was 33 years old.
Kelly Preston July 12th
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After a two-year battle with breast cancer, actress Kelly Preston died on July 12 at the age of 57. Kelly's husband, John Travolta, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: "It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that my beautiful wife, Kelly, has lost her two-year battle with breast cancer," he wrote alongside Kelly's photo. "She fought bravely with the love and support of many people."
Chadwick Boseman, August 28
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Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as T'Challa in Black Panther, died this August at the age of 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, September 18
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The former US Chief Justice and women's rights activist died this September at the age of 87 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Sir Sean Connery, 31 October
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The actor, best known for his role as James Bond, has died at the age of 90. The producers of the James Bond film series confirmed Connery's death on October 31, writing: “He will forever be remembered as the original James Bond, whose indelible entry into film history began when he uttered those unforgettable words – 'The name is Bond … James Bond'. With his fragile and witty portrayal of a sexy and charismatic secret agent, he caused a revolution. Without a doubt, he is largely responsible for the success of the film series, and we will be forever grateful to him.”
Diego Maradona, November 25
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The legendary Argentine footballer died on November 25 at the age of 60 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Buenos Aires. Considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, the striker captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and scored the famous 'Hand of God' goal in the quarter-final against England. "You took us to the top of the world. You made us extremely happy. You were the greatest of them all,” Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said in a statement on the star's death.
Other celebrities who died in 2020
Writer John le Carré (The Spy Who Came in from the Cold)
Actor David Prowse (Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy)
Actress Natalie Desselle-Reid (BAPS, Robbers)
Actress Diana Rigg (On Her Majesty's Service, Game of Thrones, The Avengers)
Actor Nick Cordero (Retire in Style, Mob Town)
Hosted by Alex Trebek (Jeopardy!)
Musician Eddie Van Halen (guitarist in the band Van Halen)
Actor Max von Sydow (Game of Thrones, The Seventh Seal, The Exorcist)
Presenter Caroline Flack (Love Island)
Actor Orson Bean (Dr. Quinn, Being John Malkovich, Desperate Housewives)
Rapper Lexii Alijai
Footballer Harry Gregg OBE (Manchester United goalkeeper)
Actor Fred Willard (The Winners, Modern Family, Waiting for Guffman)
Musician Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac)
Singer Betty Wright (Tonight Is the Night, No Pain, No Gain, Clean Up Woman)
Musician Johnny Nash (Hold Me Tight, Tears on My Pillow, I Can See Clearly Now)
