What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Heather Chasen

English actress with stage and screen roles
Born
July 20th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 93 years old

An English actress, recognized for a prolific career in theatre, television, and film. Gained recognition for performances in productions such as 'The Forsyte Saga' and 'The Saint'. Appeared in various British television series and worked in repertory theatre. Spent several decades in the industry, showcasing versatility across different media.

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Robert L. Park

American physicist and academic
Born
January 16th, 1931 95 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 89 years old

Contributions included research in atomic, electromagnetic, and materials physics. Served as a professor at the University of Maryland. Held a position as a spokesperson for the American Physical Society on science policy issues. Authored several books addressing science and its intersection with society.

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Ron Tauranac

Engineer and businessman in motorsports
Born
January 13th, 1925 101 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 95 years old

An engineer and businessman specialized in motorsport design and construction. Founded the successful racing car manufacturer, Tauranac Engineering, which produced cars that competed in Formula One and other racing series. Developed multiple chassis that won numerous championships in various racing categories. Actively contributed to the engineering and design aspects of the sport, influencing car development.

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Belaid Abdessalam

Algerian Prime Minister
Born
July 20th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 92 years old

Belaid Abdessalam served as the Prime Minister of Algeria during a critical period in the 1990s. His tenure included navigating the country through a challenging civil conflict. Abdessalam played a significant role in political reforms and economic strategies aimed at stabilization. Prior to his role as Prime Minister, he held various governmental positions, contributing to Algeria's political landscape and governance during a time of national turmoil.

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Wes Unseld

Basketball player, coach, and manager
Born
March 14th, 1946 80 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 74 years old

A prominent basketball player, coach, and manager, he played as a center for the Baltimore Bullets from 1968 to 1981. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988. After retiring as a player, served as the head coach for the Bullets from 1988 to 1994 and later in various managerial roles. His style of play and effectiveness on the court set him apart as a significant figure in the history of basketball.

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Valentin Yanin

Historian and author on Russian history
Born
February 6th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 91 years old

This historian specialized in the study of Russian history and archaeology. Contributed significantly to the understanding of early Slavic cultures. Authored multiple works detailing historical events and the development of Russian states throughout the centuries. Engaged in extensive research that highlighted the significance of historical artifacts and texts. Held prominent academic positions and participated in various scholarly activities focused on historical preservation.

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Robert May

Zoologist and ecologist, Baron May
Born
January 8th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 84 years old

Baron May of Oxford contributed significantly to ecology and zoology. He served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government from 2000 to 2005 and held the position of President of the Royal Society from 2000 to 2005. His research focused on population dynamics and the relationships between species in ecosystems. May's work aided in understanding biodiversity and its implications for conservation efforts. He published numerous papers and authored several books, enhancing academic discourse in his fields.

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Dámaso García

Baseball player with MLB All-Star title
Born
February 7th, 1957 69 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 63 years old

Professional baseball player and footballer had a career spanning several years in Major League Baseball. Played primarily as a second baseman, featuring prominent stints with the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. Achieved an All-Star selection in 1984 after contributing significantly to the Blue Jays' success during that season. Transitioned to football, demonstrating versatile athletic abilities.

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William H. Gates Sr.

American lawyer and philanthropist
Born
November 30th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2020 6 years ago — 95 years old

A lawyer and philanthropist, served as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Advocated for global health initiatives and education reforms. Played a significant role in the establishment of the foundation alongside his son, contributing to various charitable projects worldwide.

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