What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Mario Ghella

Italian racing cyclist and Tour de France participant
Born
June 23rd, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 91 years old

Born in 1929, a prominent Italian racing cyclist. Competed in several prestigious cycling events, including the Tour de France. Ghella achieved significant recognition for performance in the Giro d'Italia and other professional races throughout the 1950s.

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Road Warrior Animal

Professional wrestler and tag team champion
Born
September 12th, 1960 65 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 60 years old

A professional wrestler achieved prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. Gained fame as part of the tag team The Road Warriors alongside partner Hawk. The duo showcased a powerful and intimidating style, becoming one of the most recognized teams in wrestling history. Competed in various promotions including WWE and NWA. Won multiple tag team championships, establishing a legacy in professional wrestling. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, reflecting contributions to the sport and its popularity.

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Christophe Dominici

Rugby player; France national team
Born
May 20th, 1972 53 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 48 years old

A rugby player who represented France in international competitions. Played primarily as a winger, Dominici earned a reputation for exceptional speed and agility on the field. He played key roles in several Rugby World Cups, contributing significantly to the team's performance and success. His club career included notable stints with Stade Français, where he achieved domestic league success.

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Wayne Fontana

English pop singer and songwriter
Born
October 28th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 75 years old

An English pop singer and songwriter, rose to prominence in the mid-1960s. Achieved significant success with the band The Mindbenders, particularly noted for the hit single 'Game of Love.' Transitioned to a solo career and continued to release music throughout the following decades. Fontana was a prominent figure in the British pop music scene during the 1960s, contributing to the era’s vibrant cultural landscape. Participated in various television programs and performances, further increasing popularity.

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Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri

Iraqi field marshal and politician
Born
July 1st, 1942 83 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1942, this individual served as a prominent field marshal in Iraq's military and held significant political influence under the regime of Saddam Hussein. He played a major role in the Ba'ath Party and was instrumental in various military and political decisions during his tenure. After the fall of Saddam Hussein's government in 2003, he remained in hiding as a key figure in the former regime. His activities following the regime's collapse were focused on organizational efforts supporting the insurgency in Iraq against coalition forces. He was noted for his loyalty to Hussein and was considered one of the last high-ranking officials still operating in Iraq after the regime's demise.

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Jānis Lūsis

Javelin thrower and coach, Olympic medalist
Born
May 19th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent javelin thrower and coach, competed internationally from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Achieved significant success in major athletic competitions, including the Olympics. Later transitioned to coaching, guiding aspiring athletes in the sport. Lūsis contributed to the development of javelin throwing techniques and training methodologies in Latvia.

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John Baldessari

American painter and conceptual artist
Born
June 17th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in conceptual art, created works that combined images and text, challenging traditional notions of art. Developed a unique style incorporating photography, painting, and installation. Notable pieces include the series 'Cremation Project' and 'I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art', which illustrated a departure from conventional aesthetics. Contributions to art education were significant, with teaching stints at various institutions.

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Ronald Bell

Singer-songwriter and saxophonist, Kool & The Gang
Born
November 1st, 1951 74 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent American singer-songwriter and saxophonist, contributed significantly to the music scene as a co-founder of Kool & The Gang. The group formed in the late 1960s and blended various genres including jazz, funk, and R&B. The hit single "Celebration" became a defining anthem for parties and festivities. Beyond performing, also played a key role in writing and producing much of the band's music, helping to shape their unique sound. Continued to perform and create music for decades, influencing generations of artists.

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Chetan Chauhan

Indian cricketer and politician
Born
July 21st, 1947 78 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 73 years old

An accomplished cricketer and politician, contributed significantly to Indian cricket before transitioning to a political career. Played as an opening batsman for the national team during the 1970s and 1980s, participating in 40 Test matches from 1969 to 1986. Scored over 2,000 runs in Test cricket. After retiring from cricket, engaged in politics, serving as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Held various administrative positions, including Minister of State for Education in the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

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