What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Alojz Uran

Slovenian archbishop and church leader
Born
January 22nd, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1945, an influential Slovenian archbishop served in various ecclesiastical roles within the Roman Catholic Church. Ordained as a priest in 1972, held numerous positions within the Slovenian church hierarchy. Played a significant role in the revitalization of the church in Slovenia following the fall of communism. Contributed to ecumenical dialogue and addressed social issues within the community. In 2008, appointed as the Archbishop of Ljubljana, overseeing the spiritual and administrative areas of the archdiocese.

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Adam Schlesinger

Songwriter and producer for TV and film
Born
October 31st, 1967 57 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 53 years old

Acclaimed for contributions to music in television and film, this individual achieved significant recognition as a songwriter and producer. A founding member of the band Fountains of Wayne, crafted the hit song 'Stacy's Mom.' Contributed to the musical scores of multiple projects, enhancing the storytelling of iconic productions. Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for work on 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.' Also produced and wrote for various artists, showcasing versatility in the music industry.

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Hyun Soong-jong

South Korean Prime Minister and politician
Born
January 26th, 1919 106 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 101 years old

Served as the 24th Prime Minister of South Korea from 1960 to 1961. Involved in significant political developments during a period of rapid transformation in South Korea. Played a role in addressing pressing national issues and implementing policies that shaped the direction of the country's governance. Contributed to the political landscape through various governmental functions.

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Ronald Graham

Mathematician and theoretical computer scientist
Born
October 31st, 1935 89 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions included work in various fields of mathematics, particularly in combinatorics and graph theory. Served as a professor at the University of California, San Diego, influencing many students and researchers in the field. Collaborated with notable mathematicians, advancing the understanding of number theory and computational complexity. Was involved in the development of Graham's number, which became famous for its astonishingly large size. Actively participated in the American Mathematical Society and played a significant role in promoting mathematics through several initiatives.

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Ernesto Brambilla

Italian motorcycle and race car driver
Born
January 31st, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in motorsport, contributed significantly to both motorcycle racing and car racing disciplines. Competed in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing events during the 1950s, securing multiple wins and establishing a formidable reputation. Transitioned to car racing, participating in Formula One and other significant competitions. Achieved notable success at the 1965 Italian Grand Prix where a strong performance led to a podium finish. His career spanned several years, showcasing versatility across different types of racing.

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Alan Cowley

Chemist who contributed to organometallics
Born
January 29th, 1934 91 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 86 years old

A British chemist focused on organometallic chemistry. Played a significant role in the development of new organometallic compounds, particularly in the study of lanthanide and actinide complexes. Contributed to the advancement of methods in synthesis, analysis, and application of organometallic materials in various chemical processes. Published extensively, sharing knowledge with the scientific community and influencing future research in the field.

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David Graeber

American anthropologist and activist
Born
February 12th, 1961 64 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 59 years old

An anthropologist specializing in economic anthropology and anarchism. Contributed significantly to the study of social movements and economic systems. Played a key role in the Occupy Wall Street movement and was a prominent figure in anti-globalization activism. Authored several influential books, including 'Debt: The First 5,000 Years', which examined the historical relationship between debt and social relations.

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Hiroh Kikai

Japanese photographer with notable portraits
Born
March 18th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1945, a prominent figure in photography, focused on capturing the essence of human emotions through portraiture. Kikai pursued a career that emphasized the beauty and complexity of the human face, utilizing a large-format camera to produce striking black and white images. Numerous exhibitions showcased the work, including 'Portraits' and 'The Face,' which received critical acclaim. The photography style combined traditional techniques with a contemplative approach, resulting in a significant contribution to contemporary visual art.

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Steve Priest

Singer-songwriter and bass player of Sweet
Born
February 23rd, 1948 77 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1948 in England, a musician rose to prominence as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Sweet. The band gained worldwide recognition in the 1970s with hits blending glam rock and pop music. The catchy single 'Ballroom Blitz' showcased the band's energetic style and stellar performances. The group also produced chart-topping songs like 'Fox on the Run' and 'Love is Like Oxygen,' helping define the glam rock era. Over the years, collaborated with various artists and continued to perform until later in life, contributing to the legacy of the genre.

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