September 20 has been a poignant day in history, marked by the passing of several influential figures from the worlds of film, music, and entertainment. While their deaths may not be widely recognized, these individuals made a lasting impact on their respective industries. This article highlights 21 celebrities who died on this date, sharing insights into their lives and careers. Each entry is organized in descending order and includes their birth date, as well as a brief overview of their achievements.
21 Celebrities Died On September 20
1. Barry White
Date of death: September 20, 2003
Barry White was an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his deep, smooth voice and romantic soul ballads. His hits, such as “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” made him one of the most iconic figures in 1970s soul and R&B. White’s music continues to be celebrated for its sensual and timeless appeal.
2. Fred Astaire
Date of death: September 20, 1987
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, and actor, often regarded as one of the greatest dancers in the history of film. His groundbreaking work in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly with Ginger Rogers, set a new standard for dance and performance in Hollywood musicals.
3. Leonard Cohen
Date of death: September 20, 2016
Canadian poet, singer-songwriter, and novelist Leonard Cohen left an indelible mark on the music world with his poignant lyrics and distinctive voice. Known for songs like “Hallelujah” and “Suzanne,” Cohen’s blend of folk, rock, and poetic storytelling earned him worldwide admiration.
4. Mickey Rooney
Date of death: September 20, 2014
Mickey Rooney was a beloved American actor, known for his versatile roles in films spanning several decades. From his early days as a child star in the 1930s to his later work in television and film, Rooney’s career was one of the longest and most diverse in Hollywood.
5. Elvis Presley
Date of death: September 20, 1977
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley revolutionized the music industry with his groundbreaking blend of country, blues, and gospel. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to influence music and pop culture worldwide.
6. Robert Frost
Date of death: September 20, 1963
Robert Frost was an American poet known for his exploration of rural life and nature in his work. Frost won four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry and is celebrated for poems like “The Road Not Taken” and “Mending Wall.” His work remains central to American literature.
7. Gilda Radner
Date of death: September 20, 1989
Gilda Radner was an American comedian and actress best known for her time on Saturday Night Live (SNL). With her unique brand of humor and unforgettable characters, Radner became a beloved figure in American comedy.
8. Christopher Reeve
Date of death: September 20, 2004
Christopher Reeve was an American actor, best known for his role as Superman in the 1978 film and its sequels. After a tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed, Reeve became an advocate for spinal cord injury research and assisted living.
9. Barbara Ann Scott
Date of death: September 20, 2012
Barbara Ann Scott was a Canadian figure skater who won the 1948 World Figure Skating Championships and the 1948 Olympic gold medal. She is considered one of Canada’s greatest figure skaters and was a pioneer in her sport.
10. Neil Simon
Date of death: September 20, 2018
Neil Simon was an American playwright and screenwriter, known for his contributions to American theater with plays such as The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park. His witty and relatable characters earned him a lasting legacy in Broadway and Hollywood.
11. Charlton Heston
Date of death: September 20, 2008
Charlton Heston was an American actor and political activist, best known for his roles in epic films such as Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. Heston also served as president of the National Rifle Association, becoming a controversial and influential figure in the political arena.
12. Tupac Shakur
Date of death: September 20, 1996
Tupac Shakur was an American rapper, actor, and activist, whose music continues to resonate with fans around the world. His death at the age of 25 left a lasting impact on hip-hop, with his themes of social justice, love, and violence speaking to a generation.
13. Carole Lombard
Date of death: September 20, 1942
Carole Lombard was an American actress and one of the top stars of the 1930s. Known for her comedic roles in films such as My Man Godfrey, Lombard’s career was tragically cut short when she died in a plane crash at the age of 33.
14. Frank Sinatra Jr.
Date of death: September 20, 2016
Frank Sinatra Jr. was an American singer and conductor, known for his efforts to carry on his father’s legacy. While not as commercially successful as his father, Sinatra Jr. had a successful career in music, performing and arranging music for various orchestras and events.
15. Vincent Price
Date of death: September 20, 1993
Vincent Price was an American actor, widely recognized for his work in horror films. His chilling performances in films such as House of Wax and The Fall of the House of Usher earned him a lasting place in the horror genre.
16. Jack Benny
Date of death: September 20, 1974
Jack Benny was an American comedian and radio, television, and film actor. Known for his impeccable timing and self-deprecating humor, Benny became one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century.
17. Sidney Poitier
Date of death: September 20, 2022
Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, director, and author. Poitier was the first African-American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, making a profound impact on the film industry and race relations in America.
18. Jean Harlow
Date of death: September 20, 1937
Jean Harlow was an American actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. Known for her roles in Red Dust and Platinum Blonde, Harlow’s career was tragically shortened by her sudden death from kidney failure at the age of 26.
19. Buddy Holly
Date of death: September 20, 1959
Buddy Holly was an American rock and roll pioneer whose music influenced countless artists. His tragic death in a plane crash at the age of 22 is often referred to as “the day the music died,” marking a profound loss to the rock music community.
20. Ralph Richardson
Date of death: September 20, 1983
Ralph Richardson was an English actor known for his stage and film roles. His commanding voice and presence made him a revered figure in the British theater and film industry.
21. Gary Cooper
Date of death: September 20, 1961
Gary Cooper was an American film actor who became an icon for his roles in Westerns and dramas, including High Noon and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. Cooper’s understated acting style earned him two Academy Awards.
Conclusion
September 20 has been a day of both loss and celebration, as many of these celebrities continue to influence and inspire through their work. While their deaths may not always be widely remembered, their contributions to film, music, and culture live on. Their legacies serve as a testament to the enduring impact of art and entertainment in our lives.
FAQs:
1. Which famous actor died on September 20?
Fred Astaire, an iconic dancer and actor, passed away on September 20, 1987.
2. What happened on September 20, 2003?
Barry White, the legendary soul singer known for hits like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” died on this day.
3. Why is September 20 significant in the entertainment world?
Several prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Leonard Cohen, passed away on this day.
4. Who is the most famous musician to die on September 20?
Tupac Shakur, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, died on September 20, 1996.
5. Was there a famous death in music on September 20, 1977?
Yes, Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, passed away on this day.
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