What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Edward Graham

English soldier and politician, Baron Graham
Born
March 26th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 95 years old

Born in Edmonton in 1925, a distinguished soldier and politician, served in the British Army during World War II. Elected as Member of Parliament for Edmonton in 1970, represented the constituency until 1997. Held the title of Baron Graham of Edmonton, a peerage granted in 1997. In the House of Lords, contributed to various committees and debates concerning issues related to defense and national security.

Continue Reading

Charles Wuorinen

Composer of 'The Finger' and educator
Born
June 9th, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 82 years old

A prominent American composer and educator, contributions spanned various genres including opera, orchestral, and chamber music. Served as a faculty member at notable institutions and mentored many emerging composers. Achievements included a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1970 for the opera 'Time's Encomium', bringing significant recognition to contemporary classical music. Collaborated with leading orchestras and ensembles, furthering the appreciation for new music through performances and recordings.

Continue Reading

Alex Olmedo

Tennis player and Wimbledon champion
Born
March 24th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 84 years old

Played professional tennis during the 1950s and 1960s. Achieved substantial success in both singles and doubles competitions. Won the men's singles title at Wimbledon in 1959. Also captured the U.S. National Championships singles title in 1960. Represented the United States in international competitions, including the Davis Cup. Contributed to the growth of tennis in Peru and inspired future generations of players.

Continue Reading

Ernesto Cardenal

Nicaraguan priest and poet
Born
January 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 95 years old

A Nicaraguan priest, poet, and politician contributed significantly to the Sandinista Revolution and served as the Minister of Culture. Cardenal was deeply influenced by liberation theology and integrated political themes into poetry. His poetry collections, such as "The Gospel in Solentiname" and "Prayer of the Earth," addressed social justice and spirituality. Political tensions in Nicaragua led to conflicts with the Catholic Church, but Cardenal remained a prominent figure in both literature and politics.

Continue Reading

Walt Davis

American athlete and Olympian
Born
January 5th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 89 years old

Competed in track and field, specializing in hurdles. Achieved success in the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland, winning a bronze medal in the 400 meters hurdles. Contributed to collegiate athletics, particularly at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where notable performances came during the early 1950s. Held records in various events and provided insights and coaching to future athletes.

Continue Reading

Mustafa Nadarević

Bosnian actor and film director
Born
May 2nd, 1943 82 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent figure in the Bosnian film industry, created a significant body of work throughout a career spanning several decades. Participated in numerous acclaimed television series and films. Notable appearances included roles in 'Duga mrak' and 'Kuduz'. Directed several projects that contributed to the arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Engaged in cultural dialogues and the promotion of cinema in the region.

Continue Reading

Charles Webb

American author of The Graduate
Born
June 9th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 81 years old

An author wrote the novel 'The Graduate,' published in 1963. The book explores themes of disillusionment and the challenges of adulthood. It became a significant cultural reference of the time and was adapted into a highly successful film in 1967, starring Dustin Hoffman. This adaptation contributed to the novel's lasting popularity and cultural significance. Besides 'The Graduate,' additional works include 'New Hope for the Dead' and 'The Enthusiast.' Webb's writing often examined the complexities of modern relationships and personal identity.

Continue Reading

Anand Mohan Zutshi Gulzar Dehlvi

Urdu Poet and Literary Figure
Born
July 7th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1926, a prominent Urdu poet associated with the literary movement in India. Contributed significantly to Urdu literature through poetry and prose, shaping modern Urdu poetic expression. His works often focused on social issues and human emotions. Active in various literary forums and contributed to the promotion of Urdu language and culture. Served on advisory commissions for Urdu literature and education, aiming to elevate the status of the language. The poet’s literary legacy continues to influence new generations of writers and readers.

Continue Reading

Hamish MacInnes

Scottish mountaineer and author of climbing
Born
July 7th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1930, MacInnes was a prominent Scottish mountaineer and author with a focus on climbing exploration and techniques. He contributed significantly to the sport of mountaineering through both his personal climbs and written works. MacInnes was involved in several key expeditions, including successes in the Himalayas and the Scottish Highlands. He designed and patented innovative climbing equipment, enhancing safety and efficiency for climbers. Additionally, he authored several books that detail his experiences and observations in the world of mountaineering, inspiring future generations of climbers.

Continue Reading