What Happened This Year 2020

People Who Died in 2020

Kim Ki-duk

South Korean filmmaker and director
Born
December 20th, 1960 64 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent South Korean director, producer, and screenwriter created a unique style characterized by minimal dialogue and poetic imagery. Gained international recognition with films such as 'Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring' and 'Pietà,' which showcased philosophical explorations of humanity. Achieved critical acclaim at various film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, where received the Golden Lion for 'Pietà' in 2012. Work often addresses themes of violence, love, and the human condition, receiving attention for its artistic approach and storytelling techniques.

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Nobby Stiles

English footballer and World Cup winner
Born
May 18th, 1942 82 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 78 years old

Played as a midfielder primarily for Manchester United and the England national team. Achieved considerable success with Manchester United from 1960 to 1971, including winning the European Cup in 1968. Represented England in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's victory. Transitioned to management after retirement, serving as a coach and manager in various roles and clubs.

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Henri Richelet

French painter and etcher
Born
June 16th, 1944 80 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 76 years old

Born on June 16, 1944, a French painter and etcher contributed significantly to the art world through intricate works that showcase a deep understanding of form and color. Richelet explored various themes within his art, often drawing inspiration from nature and the human experience. The artistic journey included participation in numerous exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, which allowed for the dissemination of his work across different cultures. The mastery of etching techniques highlighted a commitment to craftsmanship and precision, elevating the medium within the contemporary art scene.

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Margaret Burbidge

Astrophysicist and academic pioneer
Born
August 12th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 101 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis and galaxy formation. Played a pivotal role in the development of the Burbidge-Strong-McClure model, which explains the formation of elements in stars. Served as a professor at several prominent institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and the University of California, Berkeley. Actively participated in numerous scientific organizations and initiatives, advocating for women in science throughout her career. Collaborated with notable scientists to produce influential research papers that shaped modern astrophysics.

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Eleanor Sokoloff

American pianist and music educator
Born
June 16th, 1914 110 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 106 years old

A distinguished pianist and educator, contributions spanned performance and teaching, shaping many musicians. Served as a faculty member at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance, where numerous successful students emerged. Continued to perform throughout her career, sharing her love of music. Recognized in the music community for dedication to intercultural musical education.

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Fred Singer

Physicist and climate change skeptic
Born
September 27th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 96 years old

This physicist emigrated from Austria to the United States, contributing significantly to atmospheric and space sciences. Worked at institutions including NASA and the University of Virginia. Instrumental in promoting the idea that climate change is not primarily driven by human activities. Published numerous articles and books, influencing discussions around environmental policy and scientific research.

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Soumaïla Cissé

Malian politician and engineer
Born
December 20th, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 71 years old

An engineer and politician from Mali entered politics in the 1990s. Served as the Minister of Finance and played an influential role in the formation of the Malian political landscape. Acted as the leader of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party. Candidated for the presidency several times, including in 2013 and 2020, highlighting commitments to democracy and governance. Held important roles in various national and international organizations.

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Jack Steinberger

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 25th, 1921 103 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 99 years old

Contributed significantly to particle physics as an academic and researcher. Played a key role in the discovery of the muon neutrino in experiments conducted at CERN. His work on weak interactions in particle physics has been highly influential in the field. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1988, sharing the honor with two other physicists for contributions to the understanding of the structure of matter.

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Philip Warren Anderson

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 13th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent physicist, contributed to condensed matter physics and played a crucial role in the development of the theory of localization. His research addressed disordered systems and introduced methods for understanding various phenomena in solid-state physics. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems. Affiliated with institutions such as Princeton University throughout an extensive academic career.

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