11 Famous People We Loved And Lost In 2020: Kobe Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, And More

Before we move on to 2021, let's all remember and honour some of the notable people we loved and lost in 2020

Before 2020 ends, let's all remember the notable people we lost during such a challenging year. Whether these people have left us due to natural causes, accidents, or COVID-19, one thing's for sure — their greatness will live on through the memorable moments we've witnessed over the years.

1. Kobe Bryant

Above Photo: Keith Allison / Wikimedia Commons

We were all left speechless after hearing about the helicopter crash that took the lives of American basketball player Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven other passengers. NBA teams have paid their tributes along with hundreds of fans in the court. An icon in the sports industry, Kobe's memory will surely live on.

I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.

—Kobe Bryant

2. Sean Connery

Above Photo: Stuart Crawford / Wikimedia Commons

At age 90, award-winning Scottish Actor Sean Connery passed peacefully in his sleep because of heart failure brought about by pneumonia. Known for his role as secret agent James Bond, Sean has also starred in films such as The Untouchables, Marnie, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

3. Lucille Bridges

Lucille Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges who was among the first African-Americans to integrate New Orleans public schools in 1960, speaks at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas on March 31, 2011. Bridges spoke at the base as part of the base's Women's History Month program. (U.S. Air Force photo/David Terry) (released)

Above Lucille Bridges, mother of Ruby Bridges who was among the first African-Americans to integrate New Orleans public schools in 1960, speaks at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas on March 31, 2011. Bridges spoke at the base as part of the base's Women's History Month program. (U.S. Air Force) | Photo: David Terry / Wikimedia Commons

Renowned as the Mother Of Anti-Segregation, Lucille Bridges passed at age 86 due to cancer. The title bestowed on Lucille stems back to the '60s when she accompanied her daughter to a school in New Orleans that catered to all-white students. Despite racist remarks, Lucille became an icon.

I'm sick of people telling us where we can go, what we can do, what we ain't supposed to have. My children are going to have more, they deserve more and the only way things will get better for them is if we make them better.

—Lucille Bridges

4. Chadwick Boseman

Above Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons

Most known for his role as Black Panther, the beloved Chadwick Boseman died this year after battling cancer. He has been going through chemotherapy in between shoots for other films. He's also known as Jackie Robinson from 42, James Brown from Get on Up, and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall from Marshall.

5. Alex Trebek

Above Photo: Peabody Awards / Wikimedia Commons

Those who loved the TV show Jeopardy! have been missing American-Canadian personality Alex Trebek since he passed away in November after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only a year ago.

6. Naya Rivera

Above Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons

The devastating news inevitably came after searching for Naya Rivera and her son who were last seen on a yacht on a California lake. Known for her role as Santana Lopez from Glee, her fans paid tribute by attending a vigil.

Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well.

—Naya Rivera

7. Pete Hamill

Above Photo: annulla / Wikimedia Commons

American journalist Pete Hamill, unfortunately, passed after an accident due to heart and kidney failure. Pete was renowned as many things: a music critic, a storyteller, an activist, and an NYC legend. He was also the author of the famous A Drinking Life: A Memoir.

The wanderer in Manhattan must go forth with a certain innocence because New York is best seen with innocent eyes.

—Pete Hamill

8. Regis Philbin

Above Photo: David Shankbone / Wikimedia Commons

Household name Regis Philbin passed away due to a heart attack at age 88. His morning programs Live! will surely be missed as he has been a long-running co-host on the show since 1988, then in 2001, and in 2011. Aside from that, he was also a host for pageants, game shows, and parades.

9. Irrfan Khan

Above Photo: Bollywood Hungama / Wikimedia Commons

Acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan had been battling with neuroendocrine tumour for two years before passing away. Irrfan rose to fame after the release of Paan Singh Tomar where he played the eponymous character. We also loved him as Pi, all grown up, from the award-winning film Life of Pi.

Failure is there to teach you something so that you can go beyond that. There is a lesson hidden in there.

—Irrfan Khan

Tatler Asia