Amid the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases, many people are ready to welcome in a new year. However, moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the tragic deaths of several talented stars in 2020 and their contributions to the entertainment industry. Take a look back at some of the celebrities who died this year.
Kobe Bryant
Also known as the “Black Mamba,” Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 in Calabasas, California. The NBA legend’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others also died in the crash. Kobe and Gianna were laid to rest at a private funeral service in Corona Del Mar, California, in February.
Naya Rivera
The “Glee” alum’s body was found on July 13 in Lake Piru in the Ventura County area of Los Angeles. The discovery was made five days after the actress’s 4-year-old son, Josey, was found alone on their rented pontoon boat. One day after Rivera was reported missing, the search was switched to a recovery mission. The Ventura County medical examiner determined Rivera’s cause of death was an accidental drowning. She was 33.
Alex Trebek
The “Jeopardy!” host died on Nov. 8 after battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” the game show’s Twitter account read following his death. “Thank you, Alex.” He was 80.
Chadwick Boseman
The death of the “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman was announced on Aug. 29. The 43-year-old actor, who was privately battling colon cancer, died one day earlier surrounded by his wife and family.
“Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV,” a rep said in a statement. “It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in ‘Black Panther.’”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The Supreme Court justice, who was also known as the Notorious RBG, died on Sept. 18 at the age of 87 following complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer. After her death, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. released a statement reflecting on RBG’s career.
“Our nation has lost a jurist of historic stature,” he said. “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her — a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”
Regis Philbin
The death of the legendary television host occurred on July 24. Philbin had coronary artery disease and died from a heart attack.
“We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Regis Philbin passed away last night of natural causes, one month shy of his 89th birthday,” his family said in a statement.
“His family and friends are forever grateful for the time we got to spend with him – for his warmth, his legendary sense of humor, and his singular ability to make every day into something worth talking about. We thank his fans and admirers for their incredible support over his 60-year career and ask for privacy as we mourn his loss.”
Charley Pride
The 86-year-old country singer died on Dec. 12 following complications from the coronavirus. Several artists paid tribute to the star on social media, including Maren Morris.
However, Morris received some backlash following his death when she suggested Pride’s death may have been caused by his Nov. 11 appearance at the Country Music Awards. “I don’t want to jump to conclusions because no family statement has been made, but if this was a result of the Country Music Awards being indoors, we should all be outraged. Rest in power, Charley,” she wrote in a now-deleted tweet, reported EW.
The CMA later released a statement denying that the singer became infected with the virus while attending the award show.
Eddie Van Halen
The legendary songwriter and guitarist died on Dec. 6 following a long battle with throat cancer. On the musician’s death certificate, a stroke was listed as his cause of death. Amid his battle with cancer Van Halen also suffered from skin cancer on his neck and head.
Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister
Lister, who is well known for his role in “Friday” as Deebo, died on Dec. 10 after suffering from coronavirus symptoms. Lister was diagnosed with the virus earlier this year but was in the recovery process. His manager told People the former wrestler began “having a hard time breathing,” and feared he had coronavirus again. The two planned to visit the doctor to get him tested, however, Lister died before they were able to see his physician. He was 62.
Sean Connery
Connery, who was best known for playing the first James Bond in the spy movie franchise,
The actor, best known for his portrayal of James Bond, died in October at age 90 following a long illness. The film studio that produced the Bond films, Eon Productions, released a statement on Oct 31 following the actor’s death.
“He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘The name’s Bond … James Bond’— he revolutionized the world with his gritty and witty portrayal of the sexy and charismatic secret agent,” the statement read.
“He is undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of the film series and we shall be forever grateful to him.”
Eddie Van Halen
The legendary songwriter and guitarist died on Dec. 6 following a long battle with throat cancer. On the musician’s death certificate, a stroke was listed as his cause of death. Amid his battle with cancer Van Halen also suffered from skin cancer on his neck and head. https://www.tmz.com/2020/12/13/eddie-van-halen-cremated-ashes-given-son-death-certificate-scattered-malibu/
Olivia de Havilland
de Havilland was best known for her role as Melanie Hamilton in the iconic film “Gone with the Wind” died on July 26. The actress, who earned her an Academy Award nomination for best-supporting actress for the role passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was 104.
Kelly Preston
Preston died on July 12 after privately battling breast cancer for two years. Preston’s husband, John Travolta announced on Instagram. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many,” he wrote. She was 57.
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