From Maradona to Vera Lynn: The notable names we’ve lost in 2020

Zak Thomas looks back on the lives of superstars and others who have quietly made an impact

Maradona dribbles past three English players at the 1986 World Cup (AFP/Getty)

Well, it’s been a truly miserable year. We’ve said goodbye to Hollywood greats, sporting giants and unsung heroes who changed the world for the better. Here, we take a look at just a few of the people who died in 2020.

Vera Lynn

When Vera Lynn died in June, Britain was facing perhaps its biggest challenge since the Second World War. Just months before, the Queen had referenced the wartime singer’s most memorable song, “We’ll Meet Again”, in a televised address as the nation got to grips with the first national lockdown. During the 1940s, Lynn’s songs brought comfort to soldiers on the battlefield and their families at home. She will remain one of the most celebrated figures of the period.

Born 20 March 1917, died 18 June 2020

Diego Maradona

In this country, Diego Maradona is often defined by two moments: using “the hand of God” to put Argentina 1-0 up against England, and then, four minutes later, scoring one of the greatest goals of all time. After defeating the Three Lions in the World Cup quarter-finals, his side went on to win the 1986 tournament. And while, rightly or wrongly, some quarters will always brand him a cheat, there is no doubt that he was one of the finest footballers in history.

Born 30 October 1960, died 25 November 2020

Diana Rigg

To younger fans, Diana Rigg was one of the cult heroes of Game of Thrones. As Olenna Tyrell, she brilliantly conducted the assassination of one of the show’s most hated characters – and fans adored her for it. But her turn as Emma Peel, the formidable spy and martial arts expert in The Avengers, had already confirmed the actor’s cult status in the 1960s.

Born 20 July 1938, died 10 September 2020

Sean Connery

The actor will always be remembered for his most famous role: James Bond. Indeed, for many, he was the best 007. But he was a versatile performer and some of his greatest work came later in his career. He won a Bafta for his portrayal of a friar in The Name of the Rose (1986) and followed it up with an Oscar-winning performance as an Irish cop in The Untouchables (1987). However, reports of his troubling views on domestic violence and allegations that he abused his first wife, Diane Cilento, have been largely overlooked.

Born 25 August 1930, died 31 October 2020

Terry Jones

Ranking each member of Monty Python would be a pointless exercise, but there is a case for giving Terry Jones the top spot. Not only did he direct the troupe’s best film, Life of Brain, he also delivered one of the most memorable lines in comedy history: “He’s not the Messiah – he’s a very naughty boy!”

Born 1 February 1942, died 21 January 2020

Flossie Wong-Staal

This scientist might not be a household name but her work has changed the lives of millions across the globe. By creating a “molecular clone” of HIV, Flossie Wong-Staal helped scientists to understand the chemical structure of the virus. This groundbreaking work led to the development of therapies that allow people with the condition to live longer.

Born 27 August 1946, died 8 July 2020

Barbara Windsor

“Icon” is an overused word, but Barbara Windsor was one. After rising to stardom in the Carry On films, she won a permanent place in the nation’s heart as Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders. Even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she became a campaigner for better dementia care. One of her last public acts was to deliver a petition to Downing Street on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Born 6 August 1937, died 10 December 2020

Naya Rivera

The singer and actor was just 33 when she drowned during a boating trip with her four-year-old son. Naya Rivera had won legions of fans for her rare portrayal of an LGBT+ Latina on Glee, and her death sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: “As a Latina, it’s rare to have rich, complex characters reflect us in media. Naya worked hard to give that gift to so many.”

Born 12 January 1987, died 8 July 2020

Everton Weekes

Just as the West Indies and England were getting ready for a groundbreaking Test series in the middle of a pandemic, cricket lost one of its greatest ever batsmen. Everton Weekes was part of the “Three Ws” – with Clyde Walcott and Frank Worrell – who helped to bring the West Indies to the forefront of the world game. Over the course of 48 Test matches, he scored 4,455 runs, including 15 centuries.

Born 26 February 1925, died 1 July 2020

Pat Quinn

Through the power of social media, Pat Quinn helped to kickstart a campaign that raised millions for research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease. A year after being diagnosed with the condition, the activist encouraged his friends to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and it quickly became a global phenomenon online, raising more than £100m in just over a month. The basic rules were: film yourself getting doused in iced water and pass the challenge on – or donate to charity.

Born 10 February 1983, died 22 November 2020