What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Christie Blatchford

Canadian journalist and broadcaster
Born
May 20th, 1951 73 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2020 5 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent journalist and broadcaster, contributed to Canadian media over several decades. Worked for major publications including the Toronto Sun and The National Post. Gained recognition for incisive commentary on various topics, including sports, crime, and politics. Authored several books, with some focused on high-profile criminal cases. Actively engaged in broadcasting, providing insightful opinions and analysis on various media platforms.

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Caroline Flack

TV presenter and actress; Love Island host
Born
November 9th, 1979 45 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2020 5 years ago — 40 years old

An English television presenter and actress gained popularity through various television shows. Flack hosted the reality dating series 'Love Island' from 2015 to 2019, significantly contributing to its success and viewer engagement. Her career included appearances in other shows, such as 'The X Factor' and 'Strictly Come Dancing', where her participation garnered attention. Flack also acted in several television dramas, highlighting her versatility in the entertainment industry. She faced significant public scrutiny and her passing led to discussions about mental health awareness.

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Flavio Bucci

Italian actor and voice actor
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
February 18th, 2020 5 years ago — 73 years old

Acclaimed actor and voice actor. Gained recognition for roles in films and television series, particularly for his performance in 'The Phantom of the Opera' and the TV series 'La Piovra'. His voice became widely recognized in Italian dubbing, lending talent to many international films. Contributed significantly to theatrical productions, showcasing versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. His career spanned several decades and included collaborations with prominent directors in Italian cinema.

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José Mojica Marins

Filmmaker and horror film innovator
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2020 5 years ago — 84 years old

A Brazilian filmmaker, writer, and actor became a prominent figure in the horror genre through the creation of unique and cult classic films. Contributed significantly to the development of the Brazilian horror film industry. Best known for the character Coffin Joe, which became emblematic of his work, often challenging social norms and pushing artistic boundaries. Marins hosted a television show that reinforced his association with horror cinema, captivating audiences with suspenseful storytelling and macabre themes.

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Pop Smoke

Rapper and songwriter, 'Shoot for the Stars' album
Born
July 20th, 1999 25 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2020 5 years ago — 20 years old

Rapper and songwriter gained prominence in the hip-hop scene with the release of the mixtapes 'Meet the Woo' and 'Meet the Woo 2'. The debut studio album, 'Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon', released posthumously, reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Popular tracks included 'Welcome to the Party' and 'Dior', which contributed to a resurgence of the Brooklyn drill music genre. Collaborated with artists like Travis Scott and Quavo, expanding musical horizons. His contribution to the genre is marked by a blend of aggressive lyrics and melodic hooks.

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Joaquim Pina Moura

Portuguese Minister of Economy
Born
February 22nd, 1952 73 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2020 5 years ago — 67 years old

Served as Minister of Economy and Treasury in Portugal from 1995 to 1999, overseeing significant economic reforms. Elected as a Member of Parliament for the Socialist Party. Played a crucial role in shaping economic policies during a pivotal period in Portuguese history. Contributed to the modernization of the Portuguese economy and its integration into the European framework.

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Katherine Johnson

American mathematician and physicist
Born
August 26th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
February 24th, 2020 5 years ago — 101 years old

A physicist and mathematician contributed significantly to the United States space program, particularly during the early years of NASA. She calculated flight trajectories for the first American in space, Alan Shepard, and provided crucial calculations for the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon. In 2015, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for contributions to the fields of mathematics and aerospace.

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Dmitry Yazov

Last Marshal of the Soviet Union
Born
November 8th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2020 5 years ago — 95 years old

Served in the Soviet military, rising through the ranks to become Marshal. Held the position of Minister of Defence from 1987 to 1991 during a turbulent period for the Soviet Union. Participated in the events surrounding the August Coup in 1991, which aimed to reverse the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, transitioned to a political career, serving in various roles including as a member of the Federation Council.

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Freeman Dyson

Physicist and mathematician, wrote 'Disturbing the Universe'
Born
December 15th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
February 28th, 2020 5 years ago — 96 years old

Born in England, renounced British citizenship and became a naturalized American citizen. Contributed significantly to quantum mechanics, nuclear engineering, and space propulsion concepts. Worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, for several decades. Authored many influential papers and books, including 'Disturbing the Universe,' discussing the implications of science and technology on society. Developed strategies for space travel and theorized about extraterrestrial life and civilizations. Proposed the Dyson Sphere, a hypothetical megastructure that could encompass a star to capture its energy. Involved in various controversial discussions around climate change and technological advancements.

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