Four Beloved Actors We Lost in 2020
Remembering those we never met but who nevertheless impacted our lives
For all who watch and enjoy great TV and films, learning that a beloved actor has died can be almost as traumatic as losing someone in your own family.
We grow to love the actors who play well written characters on our screens, and have never been more connected to them than we are now through social media.
Because of these facts, we were rocked this year when some of our favourite actors were taken from us. In one way or another, each of these performers touched our lives, and we will remember them forever.
Here below are a few of those we lost this year.
1. Marge Champion: September 2nd 1919 — October 21st 2020
Whether you’re aware of it or not, Marge Champion has had an influence on your life and the lives of your kids. As the model who portrayed Snow White for the 1937 film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” Champion embodied Disney’s very first princess for animators to copy.
Animators had no idea how a young woman should move and dance when trying to draw Snow White, so Champion had to act out the movie while the animators drew her every move. She did the same for The Blue Fairy in Pinocchio, Hyacinth Hippo in Fantasia, and Mr Stork in Dumbo.
Marge Champion’s movement and choreography has formed the groundwork for every princess that has come ever since, not only from Disney, but competing studios as well.
So for everyone from Sleeping Beauty to Queen Elsa, we have Marge Champion to thank for doing the groundwork that defined the future of an entire segment of our culture.
2. Sean Connery: August 25th 1930 — October 31st 2020
Oscar winning 20th Century Fox legend Sean Connery was perhaps one of the most influential actors of his genre. Originating the role of James Bond on the big screen, Connery brought the role to life and performed in the first 7 of the iconic film series. (Including one unofficial entry).
Sean Connery and James Bond brought to life an entire genre of spy thrillers that changed our lives with big brass, daring adventures, and treatment of women that has aged really poorly. But beyond the sexism, the combination of exotic locations, sex, and guns, were part of what created the modern blockbuster. Connery helped move the world from tent pole musicals, to big budget action movies.
In addition to his Oscar, Connery won two BAFTA awards, three Golden Globes, was nominated ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ by People Magazine in 1989, and ‘Sexiest Man of the Century’ in 1999.
3. Ian Holm: September 12th 1931 — June 19th 2020
Despite being an establishing member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and winning countless awards between the 1960’s and 1980’s, you probably know Ian Holm for one reason.
I, like many others know and love Ian Holm for his role in bringing Bilbo Baggins to life.
A beloved character from J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ book series, Bilbo Baggins was a part of our lives long before Peter Jackson brought the legendary film series to life in 2001. But in doing so, Jackson gave Ian Holm the chance to embody Bilbo on the big screen, and he didn’t disappoint. Ian played Bilbo masterfully, nailing his subtle humour while also allowing us to see the pain and resentment simmering inside.
I don’t think any of us will forget the moment when Bilbo lunged for the ring after Frodo wouldn’t let him have it. Holm almost scared us all to death. It’s because of his incredible range and dedication that Holm will always be remembered and revered for what he brought to the world.
4. Chadwick Boseman: November 29th 1976 — August 28th 2020
The youngest person on this list, Boseman surprised and horrified everyone with his unexpected death in August of this year.
Chadwick Boseman is most widely known for his portrayal of Black Panther in the smash Marvel film of the same name.
Disney has worked hard to ensure audiences become intimately familiar and fall in love with their entire cast of heroes across dozens of films. Because of this, when Black Panther was brought to the big screen and Boseman along with it, Disney audiences embraced him with open arms.
Black Panther was meant to be Disney’s olive branch to the under-represented black community. It was their way of showing black audiences that they’re thinking of them, and are deeply interested in enticing them to go to the movies (and spend money).
What was definitely a cynical corporate move, it was humanised by how charming Chadwick Boseman was, and how well he played the character. The movie isn’t the best in the franchise by a wide margin, but thanks to Boseman, Black Panther has become one of the most beloved characters in the MCU franchise.
People could look up to Boseman, because he wasn’t just playing a likeable character, he was a likeable guy in real life too. He was so beloved that Disney has already announced that he won’t be replaced in upcoming Black Panther films. Instead, they will continue his story, penning a movie that acknowledges his death and deals with it. Some analysts are predicting that his in-film sister will take up the mantle and become the new Black Panther.
In Memoriam
For those across the world famous and private, death has come for too many this year. But instead of only mourning their loss, we should also remember the great accomplishments of those we lost. With Marge Champion, we gained a princess that defined the childhoods of generations. With Sean Connery, we gained a secret agent when was part of inventing the modern blockbuster. With Ian Holm, we gained an interpretation of one of our favourite characters from fiction, brought to life with integrity and depth. Finally, with Chadwick Boseman, we gained a superhero that many people could relate to and fall in love with.
For all those we lost this year, we will always remember what they brought to the world, and why we’re better off because they were once with us.
