Lynn Evans Mand (2020), “Mr. Sandman” singer

Lynn Evans Mand  was the lead singer of the vocal harmony group the Chordettes who had hit songs “Mr. Sandman” and “Lollipop.” The Chordettes were one of the most popular vocal groups of the 1950s and 1960s. “Mr. Sandman” reached No. 1 on the charts in 1954, and “Lollipop” was No. 2 in 1958. Other hit songs for the group included “Never on Sunday” and “Eddie My Love.” “Mr. Sandman” has been featured in many movies including “Back to the Future”; “Lollipop” was featured in the film “Stand by Me.” 

Joe Coulombe (1930–2020), founder of Trader Joe’s

Joe Coulombe was the founder of Trader Joe’s, the budget-conscious grocery store chain that focuses on unusual prepared foods, gourmet goods, and produce. Coulombe later worked with retail brands including Thrifty Corp. and Petrini’s.

Lee Phillip Bell (1928–2020), co-creator of “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”

Lee Phillip Bell was a producer and talk show host who co-created the popular soap operas “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” along with her husband, William J. Bell. She also hosted the Chicago-based talk shows “Mornin’ Miss Lee” and “The Lee Phillip Show,” which later became “Noonbreak.”

Clive Cussler (1931–2020), best-selling adventure author

Clive Cussler was a best-selling adventure author known for his series of thrillers starring Dirk Pitt, an underwater explorer and playboy who battles evil villains. One of Cussler's novels, “Sahara,” was turned into a movie starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz. More than 100 million copies of his books have sold over the past 50 years, including both fiction and nonfiction. Cussler also became an underwater explorer in real life, leading expeditions that discovered many shipwrecks including the Confederate’s Civil War ship Manassas, that sunk in the Mississippi River in 1862.

Stephan Ross (1931–2020), New England Holocaust Memorial founder

StephanRoss survived 10 Nazi concentration camps as a boy and was the founder of the New England Holocaust Memorial.Ross was bornSzmulekRozentalin Lodz, Poland. As a boy, he was sent to concentration camps after the Nazie28099s invaded Poland. He spent time in 10 different camps,surviving beatings, illness, and starvation, and escaped twiceafterbeing chosen for death at the camps. One time,he ranfrom the death lineunder a train andgrabbedon to theaxle when the train started to move. He held on and when the train stopped, he was at another camp.

David Roback (1958–2020), Mazzy Star co-founder

David Roback  was a co-founder of the dream pop band Mazzy Star that had a hit song in 1994 with “Fade into You.” Guitarist Roback started the band with vocalist Hope Sandoval in the late 1980s. Roback composed the music while Sandoval wrote the lyrics. They released three critically-acclaimed albums. The single “Fade into You” reached No. 3 on the modern rock charts and a video for the song was in regular rotation on MTV. The band released a new single in 2011 followed by the album “Seasons of Your Day” in 2013 and an EP in 2017. In the 1980s, Roback was in the bands Rain Parade and Opal, part of Southern California’s psych rock revival known as the Paisley Underground.

Jens Nygaard Knudsen (2020), Lego minifigure creator

Jens Nygaard Knudsen was the creator of the beloved Lego minifigure. He designed the “Lego Man” or figures with no identifiable race and interchangeable limbs. The Lego figures were released to the public in 1978. Knudsen worked as a designer for Lego from 1968 until 2000, helping to create the popular Lego Castle and Lego Space designs.

Katherine Johnson (1918–2020), NASA's “Hidden Figures” hero

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician who calculated orbital mechanics for the first crewed spaceflights for NASA. The story of her struggles as one of the African American women working as computers at NASA in the 1960s was made famous in the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” which starred Taraji P. Henson as Johnson. Johnson’s calculations of the trajectory and launch window for Alan Shepard’s historic 1961 spaceflight were crucial to the success of the mission. She later helped calculate the trajectory for Apollo 11’s 1969 Moon landing, and she worked on the Space Shuttle program and on plans for a mission to Mars.

Tao Porchon-Lynch (1918–2020), world’s oldest yoga teacher

Tao Porchon-Lynch  was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest yoga teacher. 101 years old at her death — and still teaching until days before she died — Porchon-Lynch earned the title in 2012, when she was 93. Porchon-Lynch was also a competitive ballroom dancer who appeared on “America’s Got Talent” in 2015. In her younger years, she was a model and actress whose films included “Show Boat” (1951) and “The Last Time I Saw Paris” (1954).

B. Smith (1949–2020), restaurateur and lifestyle guru

B. Smith was the owner of the popular Manhattan restaurant B. Smith, whose eye for style made her a well-known designer and lifestyle guru. Born Barbara Elaine Smith, she was also a model who was one of the first black women to appear on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine, in 1976. Called the black Martha Stewart, she starred in the syndicated TV show “B. Smith with Style,” and she wrote cookbooks including “B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends.” As a décor designer, Smith created collections sold at Bed Bath & Beyond and La-Z-Boy.

Larry Tesler (1945–2020), computer scientist who created copy-and-paste

Larry Tesler  was a computer scientist whose achievements included developing the cut, copy, and paste technology that’s now an integral part of using our devices. In the 1970s, Tesler worked at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), then a hotspot for innovations in computing. It was there that he worked on the Gypsy word processor, which introduced the concept of cut, copy, and paste, as well as the terms we now use for those actions. Tesler also introduced the concept of find and replace.

Sy Sperling (2020), Hair Club for Men founder

Sy Sperling  was the founder of Hair Club for Men, a popular hair restoration company.

Pop Smoke (1999–2020), up and coming rapper

Pop Smoke  was an up and coming rapper known for his 2019 hit song “Welcome to the Party.” The track was mixed by ASAP Ferg, Meek Mill, Pusha T and others. A remix was done a few months after the original that featured Nicki Minaj. Pop Smoke was born Bashar Barakah Jackson in Brooklyn, New York. Pop Smoke’s debut mixtape “Meet the Woo” was released in July 2019. His second mixtape titled “Meet the Woo 2” was released on February 7.

Jason Davis (1984–2020), voice of Mikey Blumberg on “Recess”

Jason Davis was an actor best known for providing the voice of Mikey Blumberg on the Disney Channel’s “Recess” from 1997 to 2001, as well as in the show’s spinoff movies. He had roles in movies including “Beverly Hills Ninja” (1997) and “Rush Hour” (1998), and made TV appearances on shows including “Roseanne” and “7th Heaven.” At the time of his death, Davis was working on a TV show called “The Two Jasons.”

Esther Scott (1953–2020), “Boyz n the Hood,” “Birth of a Nation” actress

Esther Scott  was an actress whose many roles included Tisha’s grandmother in “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and Nat Turner’s grandmother Bridget in “The Birth of a Nation” (2016). On TV, she starred as Gladys on the short-lived “Geena Davis Show,” and she had a recurring role on “Hart of Dixie” as Delma Warner.

Lynn Cohen (1933–2020), “Hunger Games,” “Sex and the City” actress

Lynn Cohen was an actress known for roles in TV’s “Sex and the City” and in the second installment of the “Hunger Games” film series, “Catching Fire.” In “Sex and the City,” she played Magda, Miranda’s housekeeper and nanny, appearing in 13 episodes as well as in the 2008 “Sex and the City” movie adaptation and its 2010 sequel. In “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013), she was Mags, the oldest of the tributes forced to compete in the deadly games.

Ja’net DuBois (2020), starred as Willona on “Good Times”

Ja’netDuBois wasbest known for her role asthe gossipWillonaon the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times.â€Willonawas the neighbor and friend of the Evans family onthe Norman Lear series set in the Chicago projects.DuBois also co-wrote and sang one of the most famous theme songs ever, “Movin’ on Up†for “TheJeffersons.â€She appeared in “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle†on the big screen, and on television she guest starred on “Moesha†and“The WayansBros.†After starring with Janet Jackson on “Good Times,†shelaterplayed Jackson
9s mother in the music video for the song “Control.â€

Donald Stratton (1922–2020), one of the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack

Donald Stratton was a U.S. Navy veteran who survived the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in a daring escape from a burning ship. One of the last to escape the USS Arizona as it became engulfed in flames, Stratton was saved by a sailor on a nearby ship who threw a line for him to grab. In later years, Stratton worked to learn the identity of the sailor who helped — Joe George — and lobbied for George to receive the Bronze Star that was posthumously awarded to him in 2017. With Stratton’s death, only two survivors of the USS Arizona remain.

Tony Fernandez (1962–2020), former Toronto Blue Jays star

Editor's note: Tony Fernandez's date of death was later clarified to have been February 16, 2020.

Nikita Pearl Waligwa (2020), “Queen of Katwe” star

Nikita Pearl Waligwa starred in the 2016 Disney film “Queen of Katwe.” The movie was based on a true story and starred David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyongo. The film follows Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi’s rise as she deals with poverty living in a slum in Kampala, Uganda. The film was notable for the use of teenage non-actors in major roles such as Waligwa as Gloria, a young chess player.

Kellye Nakahara (1948–2020), actress who starred in “M*A*S*H”

Kellye Nakahara was an actress best known for her long-running role as Nurse Kealani Kellye on TV’s “M*A*S*H.” Nakahara appeared on “M*A*S*H” for all 12 of the show’s seasons, first as a background character in the first few seasons and then as a regular recurring role in more than 150 episodes. Nakahara also had roles in notable movies including “Clue” (1985), in which she played the cook, and “She’s Having a Baby” (1988), in which she played a labor and delivery nurse.

Mickey Wright (1935–2020), LPGA legend who won 13 majors

Mickey Wright was a professional golfer who is widely considered one of the best in LPGA history. Playing professionally from 1955 until her 1969 retirement, Wright won 13 major championships and 82 LPGA Tour events, including winning four consecutive majors in 1961 and 1962. She was known for her fluid and powerful swing, which some called the best they’d ever seen from any golfer, male or female.

Lecile Harris (2020), rodeo clown who appeared on “Hee Haw”

Lecile Harris was a legendary rodeo clown who appeared on TV shows including “Hee Haw,” where he performed for five years. When Harris got into rodeo as a young man, rodeo clowns also fought the bulls that bucked off bullriders. He continued fighting bulls until his 50s, when he became solely a rodeo clown. He performed for decades, with his last performance at the 55th Annual Dixie National Rodeo and Livestock Show in Jackson. Mississippi, just before his death.

Bonnie MacLean (1939–2020), pioneering rock poster artist

Bonnie MacLean was a poster artist who created swirling, psychedelic imagery in her concert posters for San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium. One of the only women working as a rock poster artist, MacLean was the Fillmore’s in-house artist from 1967 to 1971, creating posters for concerts including the Doors, the Yardbirds, Pink Floyd, and Cream. Some of her posters are worth thousands of dollars to collectors. MacLean was married to Bill Graham, the Fillmore’s concert promoter, during the 1960s and ‘70s.

Charles “Chuckie” O’Brien, Jimmy Hoffa associate portrayed in “The Irishman”

Charles “Chuckie” O’Brien  was a close associate of Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa, who viewed the labor leader as a father figure and was thought by some to have been involved in his mysterious disappearance. A car that O’Brien was driving earlier in the day of Hoffa’s disappearance became a key piece of evidence in the Hoffa case. O’Brien was a leading suspect whom police extensively questioned, with some believing that he had driven Hoffa to the scene of his murder. O’Brien vehemently denied the allegations, and conclusive evidence of his involvement was never found. In 2019, O’Brien was portrayed by Jesse Plemons in the Best Picture-nominated film “The Irishman.” O’Brien spoke out against the film, saying it twisted the facts of Hoffa’s life and disappearance.

Paul English (1932–2020), longtime drummer for Willie Nelson

Paul English  was the longtime drummer, best friend, and bodyguard for legendary country music artist Willie Nelson. English was involved in gangs and had been in trouble with the law when he met Nelson early in the singer’s career. English helped Nelson collect overdue money from club owners, eventually becoming Nelson’s regular drummer in 1966. The close bond between Nelson and English was immortalized in Nelson’s song “Me and Paul,” which told the story of their adventures together.  

Joseph Shabalala (1940–2020), founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Joseph Shabalala was a singer and musician who founded the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and served as their music director, bringing traditional Zulu music to a worldwide audience. Founded in 1960, Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded Africa’s first gold album, 1973’s “Amabutho.” They gained international fame when Paul Simon collaborated with them for his 1986 Grammy-winning album “Graceland.” Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang on several tracks, and Shabalala co-composed the song “Homeless” with Simon. Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s 1987 album Shaka Zulu,” which won a Grammy, their first of five, for Best Traditional Folk Recording. The group went on to appear in Michael Jackson’s 1988 movie “Moonwalker” and to sing at South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration. Shabalala remained with Ladysmith Black Mambazo until his 2014 retirement; the group continues touring today.

Robert Conrad (1935–2020), star of TV’s “The Wild Wild West”

Robert Conrad was an actor best known for his starring role as Secret Service agent James West on the 1960s TV show “The Wild Wild West.” The hit show, conceived as “James Bond on horseback,” featured Conrad and his costar, Ross Martin, saving 19th century America from any number of threats using anachronistic gadgets. Conrad also starred as detective Tom Lopaka on “Hawaiian Eye” from 1959 to 1963 and as World War II fighter ace Pappy Boyington on “Baa Baa Black Sheep” – renamed “Black Sheep Squadron” – from 1976 to 1978. His other short-lived series include “The D.A.,” “A Man Called Sloane,” and “High Mountain Rangers.” Conrad starred in a number of TV movies and miniseries, including “Centennial,” “The Duke,” and “Will: G. Gordon Liddy.”

Orson Bean (1928–2020), comic actor and talk show favorite

Orson Bean was a longtime comic actor who was a favorite guest on TV talk shows, especially “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Bean first gained success as a stand-up comic, then moved on to guest star on TV talk shows and game shows such as “To Tell the Truth.” He guest starred on many television series and had a regular role as a store owner on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” On the big screen, he had a memorable role in “Being John Malkovich.” Bean and his wife, actress Ally Mills, were mainstays of the Pacific Resident Theater Ensemble in Venice Beach, California. He once told the Los Angeles Times, he was “famous for being famous.”

Paula Kelly (1943–2020), actress and dancer starred on Broadway and in movies

Paula Kelly was an actress, dancer, and singer known for movies including Sweet Charity, Soylent Green, and Uptown Saturday Night. On Broadway, she debuted in 1964 in Something More! and appeared in other shows including The Dozens, Ovids Metamorphoses, and Sophisticated Ladies. In addition to appearing in Bob Fosses movie adaptation of Sweet Charity, she starred in the show on the London stage, where she won the London Variety Award for Best Supporting Actress. A frequent TV guest, Kelly was Emmy nominated for her recurring role on the first season of 1Night Court1 as Liz Williams. Her other TV appearances include 1The Carol Burnett Show,1 1Sanford and Son,1 1Police Woman,1 1The Golden Girls,1 and the miniseries 1The Women of Brewster Place.1

Jane Milmore (1955–2020), screenwriter and producer for “Martin,” “The Hughleys”

Jane Milmore was a producer, screenwriter, and playwright whose TV credits include “Martin,” “The Wayans Brothers,” and “The Hughleys.” Milmore won a People’s Choice Award and an NAACP award for her work on “Martin,” as well as winning a Prism Award for her work on “The Hughleys.” She co-created the short-lived 1993 sitcom “Daddy Dearest,” starring Don Rickles and Richard Lewis. Other shows Milmore worked on with her longtime writing partner, Billy Van Zandt, include “Newhart,” “Suddenly Susan,” and “Yes, Dear.” Milmore and Van Zandt also wrote more than 20 plays together, including “You’ve Got Hate Mail” and “The Boomer Boys Musical,” and Milmore was an actress, appearing in her plays as well as in movies and TV shows.

Kirk Douglas (1916–2020), Hollywood legend

Kirk Douglas , one of the greatest screen legends of the 20th century, has died at the age of 103, according to a statement released by his family that includes his son, actor Michael Douglas, and reported by People Magazine.

Deborah Batts (1947–2020), pioneering judge who was overseeing Michael Avenatti trial

Deborah Batts was the nation’s first openly LGBTQ federal judge, who was set to oversee Michael Avenatti’s Stormy Daniels-related embezzlement trial. She was nominated for a federal judgeship by President Bill Clinton in 1994, and she was sworn in later that year after a smooth confirmation hearing. Serving as the U.S. District Judge for Manhattan, Batts oversaw cases including a 2006 civil suit against an EPA administrator who was accused of misleading the public about the risk of toxic air pollution around the site of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Willie Wood (1936–2020), legendary Packers defensive back

Willie Wood was a legendary Hall of Fame defensive back for the Green Bay Packers. Wood was one of the best defensive backs in NFL history, grabbing 48 interceptions during his career, with a reputation a tough hitter. He had a memorable interception in Super Bowl I when the Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Hall of Fame. Wood went into coaching and was the first black coach in professional football when he coached the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League in 1975.