The American Idol season one finalist died at age 42. She suffered an aneurysm on Oct. 28 and was taken off life support four days later. Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm, her husband, Craig Sadler, wrote on Facebook on Oct. 31. “She would already be gone, but she’s an organ donor and has been kept on life support to make that possible. That shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Even at the end, she is still giving.”
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as T’Challa/Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, died at age 43 in August after a four-year battle with colon cancer.
Kobe Bryant
The NBA star died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA, in January. Kobe was traveling with eight other people, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The aircraft reportedly crashed “amid foggy conditions” and a small brush fire erupted. There were no survivors.
Cliff Robinson
The former NBA player and Survivor contestant died at age 53 in August.
Diana Rigg
The actress, who was well known for her roles on Game of Thrones, in The Avengers, and in the James Bond franchise, died at age 82 in September.
Zindzi Mandela
Zindzi Mandela, South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark and the youngest daughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandel, died on July 13 at age 59.
Sushant Singh Rajput
The Bollywood star was found dead in his Mumbai home on June 14. Police say he took his own life, and an investigation has begun. He was 34.
Max Von Sydow
The actor, who was well-known for his roles in Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and countless other films and shows, died on March 8 at age 90.
Nikita Pearl Walingwa
The star of Disney’s Queen of Katwe died at age 15 in February — over three years after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “We mourn the loss of our beautiful Nikita Pearl Waligwa,” Queen of Katwe star, David Oyelowo wrote on Instagram. “She was a ball of light in @queenofkatwemovie and in life. Her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness. Her light will live on.”
Betty Wright
On May 10, the Grammy-winning soul singer died from cancer at age 66. She’s known for hits such as “Tonight Is the Night,” “No Pain, No Gain,” and “Clean Up Woman.”
Pop Smoke
The rapper, born Bashar Barakah Jackson, was killed by masked gunmen in a Los Angeles home invasion on Feb. 19. He was 20.
La Parka
The famous wrestler, whose real name is Jesus Alfonso Huerta Escoboza, died in January of injuries related to an in-ring accident. Reports indicate he was 54 or 55.
Irrfan Khan
The Bollywood actor and Slumdog Millionaire star died on April 29 after being admitted to the hospital with a colon infection. The news came two years after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He was 53.
Majek Fashek
Beloved Nigerian reggae star, Majek Fashek, died at age 57. The singer’s manager, Omenka Uzoma, told the BBC that Fashek (born Majekodunmi Fasheke), died in his sleep in New York. In an Instagram video, Uzoma praised Fashek for all he did for Nigeria.
JUWON AWE
Juwon Awe was killed by a stray bullet from suspected Fulani herdsmen, who attacked some motorists and vehicles along Ogbomosho Ilorin Expressway on January 26. The incident happened at Otte area of the expressway, which left people doubting their safety in the country as reports claim that the herdsmen ran into the road shooting sporadically. Unfortunately, Juwon who was travelling along with other Nollywood actors, was hit. The deceased was said to be a personal assistant to a popular Yoruba actress, Toyosi Adesanya, who was also on the journey and was known for taking minor roles as well in Yoruba Nollywood movies.
ALKALI MATHEW
On March 24, the Nollywood industry lost Alkali Matt, also known as Dareng, who died while on set. Matt, known for his role in Africa Magic series, “Halita,” died in Keffi, Nassarawa, and the news of his death was announced on social media by Dimbo Atiya, founder of familiar grounds media, who said he died at about 7pm.
RASHEED ABU
Early April, President of Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Bolaji Amusan aka Mr Latin, confirmed the demise of Rasheed Abu, who died after he slumped. Latin said he was informed that the actor had slumped, but was revived and later gave up the ghost.
CHIZOBA BOYE
Veteran actress and filmmaker, Chizoba Boye, died on May 10, after a brief illness.
Chizoba Boye was the wife of veteran filmmaker, Sam Boye, and she was a regular face on television series, ‘Tinsel.’ Aside from her role in Tinsel, she was also a producer and presenter.
TOYOSI ARIGBABUWO
Arigbabuwo, died January 13, 2020, at his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital after battling an undisclosed illness for six months. He featured in Yoruba movies, including Ogbori elemosho and Bashorun Gaa, Odun Baku
GBENGA AJUMOKO
The actor- cum- scriptwriter died on March 22 after battling with a chronic ailment. He was critically down in a hospital for six months in Sagamu Remo where he was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. He solely treated the ailments quietly until things got worse for him. He was later transferred to a private hospital located at Ibadan Garage, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where he died. Ajumoko worked as a production manager, actor, writer, and movie director before he died. Some of his works include, known Enikeji (2017), Agbere (2017), Yeye Efun, Wound (2019), Ako Okuta (2018).
SHAFKAT ADEDOYIN, AKA MADAM TINUBU
Adewoyin, popularly known for her role as Madam Tinubu in ‘EFUNROYE TINUBU’, died in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23, and was buried by 4 pm the same day, according to Islamic rites. Also known for role as Mama Oni Mama in Funke Akindele’s ‘ỌMỌ GHETTO’, the late actress embraced acting as early as childhood days and was a dancer. She was a staff of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, where she took part in many editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST. However, the cause of her death is unknown.
YEKINI OMOBOLANLE AKA BABALEGBA
Babalegba died in the early hours of Monday, September 7 in his Abeokuta, Ogun State home, after he battled with an ailment. Babalegba’s demise was announced on Facebook by Emmanuel Adejumo, son of another veteran Nollywood actor, Baba Sala.
OGUN MAJEK
Veteran actor, Gbolagade Akinpelu, died in the morning of Thursday, June 25 at his residence in Imalefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Bolaji Amusan aka Mr Latin, the President, Theater Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), was said to have confirmed his death.
KAYODE ODUMOSU AKA PA KASUMU
Pa Kasumu died on Sunday, March 1, 2020, after a long battle with an ailment. Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola announced his death on her Instagram handle on Sunday. She wrote: “Our model veteran actor, Pa kasunmu Kayode Odumosu, finally takes a bow.