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Celebrity deaths in 2020, from Ennio Morricone to Nick Cordero

We remember some of the notable figures from the arts world who have died this year

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 06 July 2020 08:44 BST
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Max von Sydow stars in The Exorcist as Father Lankester Merrin

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From Monty Python legend Terry Jones to Hollywood star Kirk Douglas, we remember some of the notable figures from the arts world who died in 2020.

Although no longer with us, their work will still be remembered, revisited and loved for many years to come – whether they were actors, musicians, poets or painters.

January saw the death of Most Haunted presenter, the TV medium Derek Acorah, and American writer and journalist Elizabeth Wurtzel.

Broadcaster and Just a Minute host Nicholas Parsons also died in January.

In February, former Love Island host Caroline Flack died as well as DJ and musician Andrew Weatherall and rapper Pop Smoke.

Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton died on 2 March, aged 93, while Oscar-nominated actor Max von Sydow – who starred in films including The Seventh Seal (1957), The Exorcist (1973) and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – died on 8 March, aged 90.

April saw the deaths of Fountains of Wayne star Adam Schlesinger and British comedian Eddie Large, which were both caused by coronavirus.

Musicians to have died in 2020 included Bill Withers, Little Richard and Dame Vera Lynn.

Italian composer Ennio Morricone died in July on the same day as Broadway star Nick Cordero, who suffered complications from Covid-19.

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