Coronavirus: Famous people who succumbed to the virus

The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the lives of approximately 47,000 people all across the world. It has spread like wildfire in countries like the United States, Italy and Spain. Pneumonia and respiratory distress along with other complications have caused the death of so many people across the world. Among the deceased are also famous people, songwriters, singers and chefs who succumbed to the illness.

Here is a list of a few well-known personalities from across the world who lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Hazoori Ragi of the Golden Temple, Nirmal Singh Khalsa, succumbed to the coronavirus illness early Thursday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. The 62-year-old was awarded a Padma Shri in 2009.

Singer and Grammy Award winner, Adam Schlesinger, is best known for his 2003 hit ‘Stacy’s Mom’. He died of complications due to coronavirus on April 1. Schlesinger has won three Emmys and was nominated for the Oscars for writing the song ‘That Thing You Do’ from the movie titled the same.

Actor and dialect coach, Andrew Jack, died of the illness on March 31. He played Major Ematt in the ‘Star Wars’ movies. He has worked with other Hollywood greats like Viggo Mortensen, Christian Bale, and Robert Downey, Jr. on their dialects. He has also been credited in movies like ‘Sherlock Holmes’, ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Men in Black: International’.

The country singer and Grammy award winner is best known for hits like ‘Third Rock from the Sun’ and ‘John Deere Green’. He died of complications caused by the disease on March 29.

Alan Merill was a part of the famous band Arrow. The guitarist, vocalist and songwriter is known for co-writing ‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll’. He died on March 29 because of the coronavirus disease.

Mark Blum is known for his roles in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ and ‘Crocodile Dundee’. He was a stage and film actor and succumbed to the coronavirus disease on March 26.

Famous chef, Floyd Cardoz operated restaurants in India and New York. He also competed in Top Chef and won Top Chef Masters. He died of complications from the disease on March 25.

Terrence McNally, a Tony-winning playwright died of the disease on March 24. He has plays like ‘Master Class’, ‘The Ritz’ and ‘Love! Valor! Compassion!’ to his credit. McNally was a lung cancer survivor and also had chronic COPD before being infected by COVID-19.