We all are aware that life is mortal, but despite that, accepting the fact has always been tough, especially while bidding a final goodbye to our favorite celebrities. The year 2020, specifically, has distanced us from some of the most loved people around the globe.
From losing the basketball wonder Kobe Bryant to someone as iconic as the Hollywood favorite Kirk Douglas, the pain has been tremendous. While some lived a long and fulfilling life, others departed a bit too soon, but one thing is the same – they all left a void that’s too big to fill in!
Max Von Sydow – 90 | $12 Million
The role of ‘Three-Eyed Raven’ played by Max von Sydow in Game of Thrones is one of the highly appreciated characters of all time, but the veteran actor didn’t give life to just this one. His collaboration with Swedish director-writer Ingmar Bergman resulted in several successful films like The Seventh Seal, Hour of the Wolf, and Wild Strawberries, to name a few.
Unfortunately, Sydow left all his glory and wealth behind when he departed from this world at the age of 90. He may not be around anymore, but his extraordinary performances on the screen will keep inspiring the cinematic world for years to come.
Kirk Douglas – 103 | $60 Million
Issur Danielovitch Demsky might have been his real name, but the world will always remember the legend as Kirk Douglas - an actor who left his mark as the original Hollywood man. The handsome star started with minor roles in films, as was the trend back in the Golden Age, but his constant struggle resulted in superstardom eventually.
With films like Champion, Ace in the Hole, and Bad and the Beautiful, nobody could have stopped him from attaining the heights of fortune and fame. Douglas lived through a century before he passed away, leaving behind millions of dollars to various charities.
Kobe Bryant – 41 | $600 Million
Kobe Bryant’s grand career success can surely be attributed to his outstanding talent and endless hard work. The basketball wonder’s 20 precious years were dedicated to the game – an experience that taught him to stay strong through the tough times along with bringing truckloads of money.
The tragic loss of the Los Angeles Lakers player was felt by the whole world when an icon, a husband, and a father of four left the universe without saying goodbye. The kind of respect this sports star received during and after his life is very rare, and it’s our fortune that we got the chance to see such athletic talent.
Caroline Flack – 40 | $8 Million
Caroline Flack and her acting career might have been friends for a short time, but luckily, her stint as a host lasted long, and she became one of the most famous television celebrities of all time. Love Island, The X Factor, and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW! are some of her well-known works.
With all of that on her resume, we are not really shocked at Caroline’s impressive net worth, but what’s depressing is that she didn’t get to enjoy her fortune and retirement due to an untimely departure.
Terry Jones - 77 Years | $15 Million
The British comedian and actor appeared in series like Do Not Adjust Your Set and Twice a Fortnight, but his work in the sketch comedy group, Monty Python was a life-changer for him. Terry was a man of many talents and his acting as well as directing endeavors got equal praise across the globe.
Despite being abundantly blessed with talent, it was unfortunate that Jones had to take a step back from work due to the health struggles that continued until his passing. Nonetheless, his contributions to the world of entertainment will always be considered invaluable!
Nikita Pearl Waligwa – 15 Years | $100,000
The young women of Africa are an inspiration for everyone, owing to their never-lose-hope attitude and the belief in a bright and successful future. The best way to represent the courage of these girls is to mention Nikita Pearl Waligwa – a former aspiring artist from Uganda.
When Nikita portrayed Gloria in Queen of Katwe, she received praise for her raw acting style. The 15-year-old had a lot of talent to share with the world, but no one had even the least idea that her time here was limited. She has been taken from us too soon, and we hope the young girl is at peace, wherever she’s now.
Don Larsen – 90 Years | $66 Million
Baseball has seen many fabulous players pitching extraordinary games on the field, but Don Larsen’s perfect World Series score in 1956 will forever be etched in the history of sports. Larsen’s interest in the game overshadowed his studies, and lucky for his fans and his own future, the former pitcher chose the same path for his profession.
After retiring from the field, Larsen wrote an autobiography The Perfect Yankee: The Incredible Story of the Greatest Miracle in Baseball History, which was published in 1996. He was a true legend, and hearing about his death was totally a heartbreaking moment for his worldwide admirers.
Rocky Johnson – 75 Years | $320 Million
The Soulman in the ring and a doting father otherwise – Rocky Johnson is a WWE Hall of Fame star who passed away at the age of 75. For those who don’t know the excellent wrestler – he was the father of actor and former WWW champion, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Thirty-year-long career was not enough for Rocky because he wanted to stay within the wrestling world, and that’s probably the reason he trained Dwayne himself. The loss of his father must have been excruciatingly painful for the latter as he was someone who not only gave him life but also made it!
Amie Harwick – 38 Years | $1 Million
Any profession within Hollywood puts a person in the limelight, and the same happened with Dr. Amie Harwick, a marriage and family therapist for the famous and rich celebrities. Known as the ex-fiancé of Drew Carey – she garnered success and reputation by helping star couples with their hectic and exhaustive lifestyle.
Sadly, though, her own story had a tragic ending. Harwick was only 38 when she supposedly plunged from her triple story house, and given her popularity, the incident made news. The doctor’s noble work to help save relationships was appreciated by a lot of people as they lost a precious and empathetic soul.
Jason Davis – 35 Years | $50 Million
You must be wondering where you’ve seen him before! Well, it’s not too hard to remember that Jason Davis was the star of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, Rush Hour, and 7th Heaven. The grandson of 20th Century Fox’s previous owner also gave his voice for Disney’s animated series, Recess.
Besides being related to prominent celebrities like Marvin and Barbara Davis, Jason had the talent and passion for acting, but his battle with controlled substances affected his career and eventually became the cause of his demise. We can’t imagine what his parents and family must be going through but we can wish them well at least.
Lynn Cohen – 86 Years | $5 Million
You remember Mags from Hunger Games: Catching Fire, right? Or Magda from S** & The City? If not, you probably missed out on watching one of the most promising artists of Hollywood. Lynn Cohen first became famous for her Broadway shows and later dabbled on the silver screen.
Having attained fame and respect everywhere - film, TV and stage, Cohen was able to make a fortune for herself which she could have used during her retirement. However, her love for the art of acting never let her quit, and even during her last days, she was very much active in the industry.
Kevin Conway – 77 Years | $6 Million
Among the others who bid a final adieu in 2020, we also lost Kevin Conway. The actor-director began his major film career with Slaughterhouse-Five, and with performances in Invincible, Gettysburg and Thirteen Days, he became a notable name in the world of cinema.
There are a total of 80 acting credits to his name, including his TV appearances, which testifies his versatility. A heart attack took away Conway’s chance of appearing ever again on the screen, and we are sure his presence will be missed by many, within as well as outside the film industry.
Marj Dusay – 86 Years | $5 Million
When American soap operas are the topic of a conversation, we can’t help but mention Marj Dusay because who can forget her remarkable performance as Alexandra Spaulding in Guiding Light? Her career has many other small and impactful roles in films and series like Star Trek, Hawaii Five-0, and Daniel Boone.
A successful work and personal life is all that anyone asks for, and fortunately for Marj, she had the best of both worlds. Although she is no more around, she’ll always be alive in our memories for her cheerful persona.
Norma Michaels – 95 Years | More than $1 Million
Norma had a career that saw more than six decades, and during this time, she played many supporting roles in productions like The George Gobel Show, Playing House, and Hello, My Name Is Doris. Her best performance yet has been in The King of Queens, where she played the role of an elderly woman Josephine.
Not all artists possess the talent of versatility, and the now deceased actress is one of those rare celebs who make almost every gig memorable, no matter big or small. Having lived till 95, it can be said that Norma had a fulfilling life journey and made the best use of her time on earth.
Stuart Whitman – 92 Years | $5 Million
The star of The Comancheros and Murder, She Wrote, was the jack-of-all-trades as he was a recognized boxer, a veteran military man, and a Hollywood gem, among other things. Despite having an interest in the film industry from a very early age, Whitman didn’t start his career until he was 23.
The actor also had a real estate business, and it seemed like everything he touched turned into gold as his entrepreneurial endeavor was equally thriving! Whitman had quite a loaded bank account for his retirement, which we are sure he enjoyed peacefully with his family before he passed away.
Lyle Waggoner – 84 Years | $10 Million
The handsome actor who played the part of Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman series is none other than Lyle Waggoner - known to be the owner of Star Waggons in the later years of his career.
The squared-jaw actor made special appearances on television as well while living a stress-free post-Hollywood life, but unfortunately, he had been battling an illness for quite some time before his death in 2020. We have to admit – Lyle’s charming personality that always wore a cheerful smile was something that’ll instantly come to our minds while talking about him.
Mary Higgins Clark – 92 Years | $140 Million
A name that will always be remembered in the genre of mystery and suspense fiction writing is Mary Higgins Clark, who sold more than 100 million copies of her work during her lifetime. From the very first book, Where are the Children, she hooked her readers who stayed true to her writing throughout her 51 books.
At one point, Clark even got an advance of $64 million for four of her books and counting all of her royalties, her $140 million net worth is not surprising. But with the wordsmith’s farewell in 2020, all that remains for us are her words, which we certainly enjoy a lot.
Stan Kirsch – 51 Years | $1 Million
Can you recall Richie Ryan from Highlander: The Series? Stan Kirsch was the remarkable actor who brought this iconic character to life, and this is not the only one! The talented star also delivered outstanding performances on projects like General Hospital and Riders in the Sky.
For Stan, acting was good, but he wanted to do something that would last even after he was gone, and that’s why he founded his very own acting studio, Stan Kirsch Studios. Now that he is no more with us, his legacy continues with his company.
Neil Peart – 67 Years | $42 Million
One of the most respected drummers of all time was Neil Peart, who as a young kid, took many music lessons and changed many bands, but never found the right place for his talents. Right when he was convinced to quit trying, luck changed and he landed an audition with the rock music group Rush, which gave him the due recognition.
Peart became a nonfiction author at one point in his life while keeping his music career on the front. The entertainment community still treasures his work as one of the best in the industry, and his death is definitely a huge loss for the music enthusiasts.
Lexii Alijai – 21 Years | $400,000
Lexii Alijai is a name that appeared in the music scene back in 2014 when she released her first mix tape Super Sweet 16s on her birthday. Doing multiple collaborations with famous rappers and releasing her own complete works changed the singer’s life at quite an early stage.
Destiny, however, had something else planned for her as she passed away in 2020, and the thought that we won’t hear her voice again saddens us all! Lexii was close to her family, and the social media posts that we read from her loved ones left everyone in tears. We pray that she rests in peace!
Edd Byrnes – 87 Years | $4 Million
Known for his role as Kookie in 77 Sunset Strip – Edd Byrnes was stereotyped for this very character, and as a result, he terminated his Warner Brothers contract to star in different movies like The Secret Invasion, Any Gun Can Play and Renegade Riders.
With an outstanding performance in Grease, the actor’s career took a positive turn, which got him many more leading roles in films and TV shows. After his retirement in 1999, Edd lived a low-key life away from the cameras, and his unexpected death in 2020 was upsetting for his fans. We hope that his family finds peace now that he has left forever.
Mal Sharpe – 83 Years | Unknown
With on-the-street interviews and humorous antics, Mal Sharpe reserved his place in the list of famous radio personalities. He would interview strangers on roads by starting out with sane queries and gradually leading to absurd ideas – no wonder his show was liked by many people at that time.
Sharpe was popular as the Jazz Man throughout his life, and hosting the show, Back on Basin Street, was more like having fun thank working for him. Even at 83, the comic’s mind was as sharp as a whip but, sadly, we will no longer benefit from his talents after he succumbed to an unsuccessful heart surgery.
Johnny Yune – 83 Years | $770,000
Make the best use of every opportunity is something that we all learn from Johnny Yune’s example. When another established actor didn’t arrive on time, he was offered a chance to perform for a few extra minutes on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The host was so impressed by the Korean-American star that he had him on the show for multiple times. This was the actor-comedian’s breakthrough, after which he hosted his own show for a year.
Before his TV career, Yune did a few films like They Call Me Bruce? and Gidget’s Summer Reunion. He was among the first few Asian actors to have starred in American films, and his contribution will always be remembered by the Hollywood fraternity.
Elizabeth Wurtzel – 52 Years |$100,000
The author of Prozac Nation set the standards for confessional writing and personal memoir genre in the 1990s, with her declarations about her struggle with depression and a life as a budding writer. The most amazing part though, is that Elizabeth Wurtzel was only 27 at the time her book became a best seller.
Following her critically acclaimed book, she wrote a follow-up memoir which received mixed reviews, but despite that, it was accepted that Wurtzel was one of the most honest and witty writers of the time. Even when she was battling breast cancer, the author never gave up on her sense of humor.
Conway Hayman – 71 Years | $26 Million
A lot of American football players choose to live a peaceful and camera-free retirement life but not Conway Hayman. The professional footballer, after playing for six seasons with the Houston Oilers, joined the Prairie View A&M University as the head coach for a total of four seasons.
His coaching career signifies the knowledge and understanding Hayman had regarding all aspects of the sport. The star of the University of Delaware left this world in March 2020 after teaching hundreds of kids about the passion they should have for the American sport!
David Olney – 71 Years | $60 Million
Hearing that a singer had a career over five decades is not surprising, but a folk singer who has been singing for that long and is also a famous one – definitely worth mentioning! David Olney is the American singer-songwriter who had lyrics and beats in his veins more than the blood itself!
The amazing star couldn’t let go of his passion as he continued to sing on stage even after crossing 70. It’s equally amazing and heartbreaking to say that Olney died doing what he loved the most – performing in front of his fans, who surely will never forget his final performance!
Nick Gordon – 30 Years | $2 Million
Nick Gordon is better known as the former boyfriend of Bobbi Kristina Brown, and surprisingly, they grew up together. The famous singer and mother of Bobbi, Whitney Houston, took him in when he was a 12-year-old kid, but growing up in a stable home made him cherish this family.
His life after Bobbi’s death was not an easy one as he was surrounded by criticism and lawsuits, draining all his bank accounts, which only left a small amount for his use. Unfortunately, Gordon didn’t get to make a life for himself as he overdosed at the age of 30, leaving all his dreams and wishes behind.
La Parka II – 54 Years | $2 Million
Jesús Alfonso Huerta Escoboza was a professional masked wrestler, better known as La Parka II, for his 20-year long career with the Professional Wrestling Promotion AAA of Mexico. His offensive wrestling style and non-forgiving attitude in the ring made him a legendary fighter.
La Parka was badly injured in one of his 2019 matches after which, he went through a number of surgeries, but he couldn’t completely recover from them, and he passed away in early 2020. The AAA inducted his name in the Hall of Fame after his funeral, which shows how much respect he earned during his lifetime!
Orson Bean – 91 Years | $4 Million
The founding member of international society called The Sons of Desert, a US Army veteran, a television personality, an author, and lastly, a successful actor – Orson Bean had seen and done it all! His roles in Medicine Woman, Mr. Quinn, and The Twilight Zone are some of his recognized performances, and the fact that he has been nominated for a few prestigious awards is very impressive.
He lived his life to the fullest from what we see and probably didn’t have any regrets. Bean is survived by his wife, and we can’t even begin to imagine what she must be going through after losing her husband of 26 years!
Buck Henry – 59 Years, | $5 Million
Buck Henry did leave big shoes upon his passing in 2020. The talented actor and director, with notable films such as The Graduate and Heaven Can Wait, had quite a starry career laden with prestigious awards.
Born in New York to an army dad, it seemed a bit obvious that Buck enlisted in the force and served as a chopper mechanic in combat. He later joined the Special Services – the army’s Broadway, where he wrote and performed in a play he directed. The star would later go on to direct and produce numerous shows and even worked as a host for NBC’s Saturday Night Live.
Danny Tidwell – 36 Years | $460,000
The famous dancer left the stage too early, leaving his many fans in deep sorrow. Danny Tidwell shot to fame for being a runner-up in Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance, and his dashing looks had ladies eagerly waiting for his attention.
Danny started dancing when he was just eight, and at the time of his departure, he was at the height of his powers. The performer was also an inspiration to upcoming talents as the director of Movmnt Magazine, and needless to mention, his untimely demise remains so tragic.
Claudette Nevins – 82 Years | $90 Million
The curtains finally closed for one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood, Claudette Nevins. She had been involved in so many films – it would be futile to name each and every one of them. Did you know she was the main voice-over in the 2000’s Aladdin? Now you know!
Nevins was born in New York, and upon graduating from the School of Performing Arts, her first stage work was in The Wall on Broadway. She then went on to win many admirers, given her natural acting skills and pretty looks. Our hearts really sank when she finally made her big bow!
James Lipton – 94 Years | $6 Million
Louis James Lipton touched many hearts during his time here and not just in the various movies he had a hand in, but also outside the studio, where he was the mentor to up-and-coming young dreamers.
With a career spanning 59 years – Lipton sure was exemplary, and the awards he received only tell half his story. A fascinating fact about the actor is that besides being an entertainer, he was also a certified pilot! Too bad the grim hand of death picks only the best among our midst, and this one was one of them without a doubt.
Joe Coulombe – 89 Years | $16 Billion
If there is something we can learn from this exemplary American entrepreneur, it’s resilience. Joe started out his corporate career back in 1958, but barely three decades later, he became the head of one of the most successful chains of grocery stores in the world!
The master of business strategy, as Joe came to be known, is an alumnus of the fabled Stanford University and Honors is not the only thing he left the university with. Joe met his wife and mother to his three children at a party while they were students there, and never parted ways until death did them apart.
Clive Cussler – 89 Years | $120 Million
Clive Cussler, one of the most prominent novelists of the past decade, wrote his last page sometime in the early 2020s. The American author, who was also a marine archaeologist, definitely lived his dream - in his career and personal life.
Curiosity was Clive’s second nature, and as the founder of the National Underwater and Marine Agency, his organization has recovered more than 60 shipwrecks, among other exciting discoveries. His demise left book lovers and fans devastated, but the more than 80 books he has authored will carry on his legacy. Rest in peace, Clive!
Katherine Johnson – 102 Years | $29 Million
Katherine Johnson was the face of resilience against great odds, being a woman in a male-dominated industry. She was not only an inspiration to many women worldwide, but was also a valuable asset as a scientist in NASA. Talk about beauty with brains!
She has the record of one of the first women in her role, and her 35 years in the space agency were nothing short of fruitful. Katherine’s ability to crunch numbers left many bewildered, and she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom almost three decades after retirement. Now, this is the real wonder woman – too sad she is no longer with us.
Pop Smoke – 21 Years | $700,000
His death shook the entire entertainment industry for sure as it was a tragic tale of a life cut short, snuffed out just as he was about to blow up!
The 21-year-old Pop Smoke had some strong online presence and a legion of young fans who always kept tabs on him. You can imagine how it came as a shocker that Pop was the unfortunate victim of a home invasion in his Hollywood house earlier in the year 2020. Without a doubt, he would have taken over the music scene, which is why it’s quite sad we’ll probably never see that happen. Sleep well, young king!
Candace Muzny – 43 Years | Unknown
Candace is one of the best-known female race car drivers, and in a field full of men – the lady sure stood out. Her love for cars developed at a young age, and her dreams turned to reality after competing in the Pro Series in 2011 and 2012.
Although Candace did not finish on the podium, she sure left tongues wagging. At the time of her demise, she was looking to get back on the racing track, and her fans were equally eager. In commemoration of the star, NASCAR will have a special slot in the upcoming race – just to honor her!
Robert Conrad – 84 Years | $2 Million
Multi-talented star Robert Conrad requires no introduction as he made a name for himself amidst all the hardships he faced during his Hollywood life. His acting career started soon after landing in California, and being blessed with a great voice, he recorded many pop and rock albums alongside performing on the screen.
Hawaiian Eye, the Wild Wild West, and Black Sheep Squadron are some of the actor’s renowned works, which explain well how the actor collected hefty paychecks. Conrad’s bank balance sure came in handy as he enjoyed a comfortable retirement until his death in 2020.
Barbara Elaine Smith – 70 Years | $20 Million
A model, author, TV host, and a restaurateur – Barbara Smith wore many hats, and without a doubt, her demise really left a huge void. Not just in the showbiz scene, but in her community as well, where her philanthropic actions impacted the people around her.
Barbara was the first African-American model to feature on Mademoiselle, a famous women magazine, thereafter making different appearances on several TV shows. She was best known for her chain of restaurants, B. Smith, which earned the majority of her fortune. Now that she has left such a massive wealth behind, we wonder who’s going to receive that inheritance!