BUCK HENRY

Bob Rafelson, an influential figure in the New Hollywood era of the 1970s who was nominated for two Oscars for “Five Easy Pieces," has died.

Anne Beatts, who died Wednesday at age 74, was a pioneering comedy writer who was on the original staff of “Saturday Night Live.”.

In this excerpt from his new biography, "Mike Nichols: A Life" (Penguin Press), author Mark Harris writes about the director's search for the perfect actor to star in his groundbreaking 1967 film, "The Graduate." Don't miss Mo Rocca's interview with Mark Harris on "CBS Sunday Morning" January 31! They, along with Buck Henry and the crusty cinematographer Robert Surtees, would collectively serve as a kind of cabinet for Nichols. From "Mike Nichols: A Life" by Mark Harris. Copyright © Mark Harris, 2021.

The world also said goodbye to U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a lion of the civil rights movement who died in July. Other former political figures who died this year include Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, New York Mayor David Dinkins, Arizona Gov. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2020 (cause of death cited for younger people, if available):___JANUARY___David Stern, 77. The guitarist who supplied the scratching, seething sound that fueled the highly influential British punk band Gang of Four. He fused African rhythms with funk to become one of the most influential musicians in world dance music.