Famous People Who Died in 1920
Sarah Rodriguez
Updated on January 17, 2026
Discover the most famous people died who died in the year 1920. This list includes people like Srinivasa Ramanujan, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Amedeo Modigliani, Wilhelm Wundt, Edmund Barton and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include artists, political leaders, sculptors and explorers who died in 1920. This list includes people from United States, Germany and many more countries.
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Birthdate: December 22, 1887
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Erode
Died: April 26
A self-taught genius Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan is known for his contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory and continued fractions. Born into a humble family, the celebrated mathematician struggled with poverty but still managed to publish first of his papers in the Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society. Later, his collaboration with English mathematician G. H. Hardy proved very productive.
Birthdate: April 21, 1864
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Erfurt, Germany
Died: June 14
Max Weber was a German historian, political economist, jurist, and sociologist. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and important theorists, Weber's ideas had a profound influence on social research and social theory. Although he did not see himself as a sociologist, Weber is often counted among the fathers of sociology alongside Émile Durkheim, Auguste Comte, and Karl Marx.
3
Amedeo Modigliani(Italian Painter and Sculptor Known for His Works: ‘Redheaded Girl in Evening Dress’ and ‘Madame Pompadour’)
Birthdate: July 12, 1884
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Livorno, Italy
Died: January 24
Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian Jewish painter and sculptor. He is remembered for his surrealist and modern-style depiction of nudes in his portraits. Even though he spent his youth in Italy, he worked mainly in France. He enjoyed little success while he was alive. He died young at the age of 35 and received massive posthumous appreciation for his works.
Birthdate: August 16, 1832
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mannheim, Germany
Died: August 31
Wilhelm Wundt was a German physiologist, professor, and philosopher. He is often counted among the founders of modern psychology and is widely considered the father of experimental psychology. He is also credited with founding the first laboratory for psychological research, which he founded at the University of Leipzig in 1879.
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Bal Gangadhar Tilak(Indian Independence Activist and One Third of the 'Lal Bal Pal' Triumvirate)
Birthdate: July 23, 1856
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Maharashtra, India
Died: September 1
Indian nationalist and freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya Tilak, promoted the concept of Swaraj, or self-rule. He was part of the freedom-fighter trio know as Lal Bal Pal, along with fellow Indian National Congress members Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.
Birthdate: January 18, 1849
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glebe, Australia
Died: January 7
The first prime minister of Australia, Edmund Barton had also been a senior judge at the High Court of Australia. The federation movement leader was also a major force behind the drafting of the constitution of his country. After rejecting the knighthood thrice, he finally accepted the honor in 1902.
Birthdate: May 6, 1856
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Cresson, Pennsylvania
Died: February 20
US naval officer Robert Peary is credited with discovering the North Pole, with explorer Matthew Henson as his attendant, though he was challenged by Frederick A. Cook, who claimed to have achieved the feat independently before him. Later, diary entries revealed Peary may have been 100km short of the pole.
8
Peter Carl Fabergé(Russian Jeweller Best Known for the Famous 'Fabergé Eggs' Made of Precious Metals and Gemstones)
Birthdate: May 30, 1846
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Died: September 24
Apart from being the official jeweler of the Russian imperial court, Peter Carl Fabergé also created some of the most innovative jewelry designs, such as the iconic Fabergé eggs. He had also launched workshops in London, Moscow, and Kiev. Later, hounded by the revolutionary government, he fled to Switzerland.
Birthdate: 1840 AD
Birthplace: Besease
Died: October 17
The Queen Mother of the Ashanti Empire, or modern-day Ghana, Yaa Asantewaa is remembered for leading her country against the British in the War of the Golden Stool. The war began when a British representative sat on the Golden Stool, considered a sacred emblem of the Ashanti people.
Birthdate: February 18, 1895
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Calumet Township, Michigan, United States
Died: December 14
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
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Max Bruch(German Romantic Composer, Conductor & Educator)
Birthdate: January 6, 1838
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
Died: October 2
Max Bruch composed his first song at 9 for his mother’s birthday and then earned a scholarship after creating a symphony at the tender age of 14. He worked extensively with the choral societies of Germany and is remembered for his iconic Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor.
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Olive Thomas(American Silent-Film Actress, Art Model, and Photo Model)
Birthdate: October 20, 1894
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Charleroi, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: September 10
Birthdate: December 29, 1859
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cuatrociénegas Municipality, Mexico
Died: May 21
Venustiano Carranza was one of the most important leaders of the Mexican Revolution, which transformed the Mexican government and culture. A powerful and influential person, Carranza served as the head of state for two years before serving as the 44th president of Mexico from 1916 to 1920.
Birthdate: October 22, 1887
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, United States
Died: October 17
15
John Francis Dodge(Entrepreneur, Businessperson)
Birthdate: October 25, 1864
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Michigan
Died: January 14
Birthdate: May 16, 1824
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Shoreham, Vermont, United States
Died: May 16
17
Horace Elgin Dodge(Industrialists)
Birthdate: May 17, 1868
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Niles, Michigan, United States
Died: December 10
18
Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia(Duchess)
Birthdate: October 17, 1853
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Alexander Palace, Tsarskoye Selo, St. Petersburg, Russia
Died: October 24
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Anders Zorn(One of the Best Portrait Painters in Europe at the End of the 19th Century)
Birthdate: February 18, 1860
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mora, Sweden
Died: August 22
Anders Zorn was a Swedish artist who achieved international success as an etcher, sculptor, and painter. One of Sweden's most important artists, Zorn's paintings currently adorn the National Museum of Fine Arts which is located in Stockholm. Apart from creating brilliant works of art, Zorn is also credited with establishing the Bellman Prize, which is a literature prize awarded yearly.
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William Dean Howells(Novelist)
Birthdate: March 1, 1837
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Martins Ferry, Ohio, U.S.
Died: May 11
21
Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin(Queen)
Birthdate: May 14, 1854
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Ludwigslust Palace, Ludwigslust, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, German Confederation
Died: September 6
Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was the daughter of Grand Duke Frederick Francis II. Renowned for her sense of style and attractiveness, Marie was also popular for her sociability and wittiness. Marie was widely recognized and she received honors from several kingdoms and empires, including the Russian Empire.
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Sarada Devi(Saint)
Birthdate: December 22, 1853
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Joyrambati, Bengal, British India
Died: July 20
23
Dmitri Ivanovsky(Russian Botanist, the Co-Discoverer of Viruses and One of the Founders of Virology)
Birthdate: October 28, 1864
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Gdov, Russia
Died: June 20
Best remembered for his co-discovery of viruses during his research on the mosaic disease in tobacco, Russian botanist Dmitri Ivanovsky is regarded as one of the pioneers of virology. Interestingly, following his discovery, he didn’t focus on virology much and taught plant anatomy and physiology instead.
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Abraham Kuyper(Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1901 - 1905))
Birthdate: October 29, 1837
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Maassluis, Netherlands
Died: November 8
After studying subjects such as literature and theology, Abraham Kuyper became a pastor and founded the Calvinist paper De Standaard. He later established the Anti-Revolutionary Party and also served the Netherlands as prime minister. He was also the founder of the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands.
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Jeanne Hebuterne(Painter)
Birthdate: April 6, 1898
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, French Third Republic
Died: January 26
26
Alexander of Greece(Former King of Hellenes (1917 - 1920))
Birthdate: August 1, 1893
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Tatoi Royal Palace, Greece
Died: October 25
Alexander of Greece was crowned king after his father Constantine I and older brother Crown Prince George were exiled by the Entente Powers. Though without any real power, he backed the Greek troops during their war against the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. After three years in office, he died due to the effects of a monkey bite.
27
Gaston Chevrolet(French Racecar Driver and Automobile Manufacturer)
Birthdate: October 4, 1892
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Beaune, Côte-d'Or, France
Died: November 25
28
Otto Gross(Austrian Psychoanalyst)
Birthdate: March 17, 1877
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gniebing-Weißenbach, Austria
Died: February 13
Born to renowned criminologist Hans Gross, Otto Gross initially worked with his father but later deviated to depth psychology. It is believed, he was a liberal drug user and an advocate of polyamory. He apparently allowed his wife to have sexual relationships with other men, often participating as an observer.
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Kevin Barry(Revolutionary)
Birthdate: January 20, 1902
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Died: November 1
30
Olive Schreiner(Writer)
Listed In:
Birthdate: March 24, 1855
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Lesotho
Died: December 11
31
Benjamin Holt(Inventor)
Birthdate: January 1, 1849
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Concord
Died: December 5
32
John Fisher, 1st Baron Fisher(Politician)
Birthdate: January 25, 1841
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Sri Lanka
Died: July 10
John Fisher, 1st Baron Fisher, was 13 when he first joined the navy. The British admiral later became the First Sea Lord. He is remembered for introducing torpedo-boat destroyers and for improving the naval gunnery. He retired over bitter disagreements with the likes of Winston Churchill and their naval expedition plans.
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Terence MacSwiney(Writer)
Birthdate: March 28, 1879
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
Died: October 25
34
Jacob Schiff(German-born American Banker & Philanthropist Who Financed the Expansion of American Railroads)
Birthdate: January 10, 1847
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Frankfurt
Died: September 25
Jacob Schiff was a German-born American banker, philanthropist, and businessman. He is credited with financing the expansion of American railroads. Jacob Schiff also played an important role during the Russo-Japanese War where he helped finance the Japanese military efforts.
35
Eleanor H. Porter(Novelist)
Birthdate: December 19, 1868
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Littleton, New Hampshire, United States
Died: May 21
36
Essad Pasha Toptani(Former Prime Minister of Albania)
Birthdate: 1863 AD
Birthplace: Tirana, Albania
Died: June 13
Essad Pasha Toptani was an Ottoman army officer and an important politician in early 20th-century Albania. He served as the prime minister of Albania from 5 October 1914 to 24 February 1916. Essad Pasha Toptani also served as the second Minister of Internal Affairs as well as the second Minister of War from 14 March 1914 to 20 June 1914.
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William C. Gorgas(United States Army Physician and 22nd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army)
Birthdate: October 3, 1854
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Toulminville, Alabama, United States
Died: July 3
U.S. Army physician William C. Gorgas was in charge of the sanitation of Panama and successfully eradicated both malaria and yellow fever from the zone, thus paving the way for the construction of the Panama Canal. He was later made part of the Hall of Fame For Great Americans.
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Alexius Meinong(Austrian Philosopher Known for His Unique Ontology)
Birthdate: July 17, 1853
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lviv, Ukraine
Died: November 27
Austrian philosopher Alexius Meinong is best remembered for his work on the theory of values and the theory of objects. He introduced four classes of objects and penned the iconic work Über Annahmen, discussing the assumptions people make when they decide if they know or don’t know about something.
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Percy French(Songwriter)
Birthdate: May 1, 1854
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Roscommon, Ireland
Died: January 24
40
Norman Lockyer(British Scientist and Astronomer Known for Discovering the Gas Helium and Was the Founder of the Journal 'Nature')
Birthdate: May 17, 1836
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rugby, Warwickshire, England
Died: August 16
British astronomer Norman Lockyer is known for his discovery of the gas helium, along with French astronomer Pierre Janssen, though both worked independently. A talented author, too, he established the periodical Nature and remained associated with it till death. He was knighted for his achievements.
41
Julia A. Moore(American poet)
Birthdate: December 1, 1847
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Plainfield charter Township, Michigan, United States
Died: June 5
42
Vahan Terian(Poet)
Birthdate: February 9, 1885
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Gandzani, Tiflis Governorate, Russian Empire
Died: January 7
43
Lothar von Trotha(Military personnel)
Birthdate: July 3, 1848
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Magdeburg
Died: March 31
44
Amos Whitney(American Mechanical Engineer and Inventor Who Co-founded the 'Pratt & Whitney Company')
Birthdate: October 8, 1832
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Biddeford, Maine, United States
Died: August 5
Amos Whitney was in his early teens when he apprenticed at a machine company. He is best remembered for his manufacturing company Pratt & Whitney, which he set up with Francis A. Pratt. He had designed a number of innovative machine parts for sewing machines, guns, and typewriters.
45
Madeline McDowell Breckinridge(American Human Rights Activist and Social Reformer)
Birthdate: May 20, 1872
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Franklin County, Kentucky, United States
Died: November 25
Madeline McDowell Breckinridge is best remembered for leading the women's suffrage movement in Kentucky. Mostly involved with campaigns related to children’s and women’s rights, she also established the Lexington Civic League, geared toward controlling child labor and upliftment of poor children. She was also associated with efforts to prevent tuberculosis.
46
Prince Luís of Orléans-Braganza(Claimant to the former throne of the Empire of Brazil)
Birthdate: January 26, 1878
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Died: March 26
47
Herbert James Draper(English Painter and Illustrator)
Birthdate: November 26, 1863
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: London, England
Died: September 22
48
Richard Dehmel(Poet)
Birthdate: November 18, 1863
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hermsdorf, Münchehofe, Germany
Died: February 8
49
Princess Margaret of Connaught(Princess)
Birthdate: January 15, 1882
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bagshot Park, Surrey, England
Died: May 1
50
Charles Tomlinson Griffes(Composer)
Birthdate: September 17, 1884
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Elmira, New York, United States
Died: April 8
