Famous people and celebrities who died in 2000

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2000. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

Jan. 19 Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was a groundbreaking Austrian-American actress and inventor who revolutionized wireless communication technology. Beyond her Hollywood glamour, she co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology crucial to modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Her scientific contributions were as remarkable as her beauty, challenging the stereotypes of her era.
Feb. 12 Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Influential blues and rock musician known for his wild stage performances and the iconic song 'I Put a Spell on You', which became a significant influence on rock and roll.
Feb. 16 Lila Kedrova
Renowned Russian-born actress who won an Academy Award for her supporting role in 'Zorba the Greek' in 1964.
March 27 Ian Dury
Influential British punk and new wave musician, lead singer of the Blockheads, known for his unique musical style and witty lyrics.
April 8 Claire Trevor
Claire Trevor was an acclaimed American actress known for her roles in film noir and Western movies, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1948 for her performance in 'Key Largo'.
April 10 Larry Linville
American actor best known for playing Major Frank Burns in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, a role that made him famous in the 1970s.
May 1 Steve Reeves
Iconic bodybuilder and actor who became a major star in Italian muscle-man films of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly known for his portrayal of Hercules. He was Mr. America in 1947 and Mr. Universe in 1950, setting new standards for physical fitness and bodybuilding.
May 7 Douglas Fairbanks
Douglas fairbanks was a prominent american actor known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films, such as 'the mark of zorro' and 'the thief of bagdad'.
May 21 John Gielgud
Renowned British stage and film actor, considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He was a key figure in classical theater and won numerous awards, including an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.
May 25 Nicholas Clay
British actor known for his roles in television and film during the 1970s and 1980s.
June 18 Nancy Marchand
Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in TV series Lou Grant and The Sopranos, where she played Tony Soprano's mother.
June 24 David Tomlinson
British actor best known for his iconic role in Disney's 'Mary Poppins', where he played Mr. Banks. He was a versatile performer in film and television during the mid-20th century.
June 29 Vittorio Gassman
Renowned Italian actor who was a prominent figure in post-war Italian cinema, winning the Best Actor prize at Cannes in 1975 for 'Scent of a Woman' and directing films from 1957.
July 1 Walter Matthau
Renowned American actor famous for comedy roles, particularly in 'The Odd Couple' with Jack Lemmon. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Billy Wilder's 'The Fortune Cookie' in 1966.
July 3 Kemal Sunal
Prominent Turkish actor, comedian, and screenwriter who was a beloved figure in Turkish cinema during the 1970s and 1980s, known for his iconic comedic roles.
Aug. 5 Alec Guinness
Legendary British actor who won an Oscar for 'Bridge on the River Kwai' and was renowned for his versatile performances in classic films like 'The Lavender Hill Mob' and 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'. He was a highly respected performer known for his remarkable character acting and range.
Aug. 12 Loretta Young
Loretta Young was a prominent Hollywood actress who successfully transitioned from silent films to television, starring in her own show in the 1950s and appearing in over 90 films during her illustrious career.
Sept. 26 Richard Mulligan
Emmy Award-winning American actor known for his roles in television series like 'Empty Nest' and films such as 'S.O.B.' and 'Teachers'.
Sept. 26 Baden Powell
Renowned Brazilian classical and jazz guitarist known for his innovative musical style and significant contributions to Brazilian music. He was a highly respected musician who blended traditional Brazilian rhythms with sophisticated jazz techniques.
Oct. 6 Richard Farnsworth
American character actor known for memorable roles in films like 'Misery' and 'The Straight Story', with a career spanning several decades in Hollywood.
Oct. 13 Jean Peters
Jean Peters was a prominent Hollywood actress of the 1950s, known for her roles in films like 'Viva Zapata' and 'Three Coins in the Fountain'. She was discovered through a campus contest and signed with 20th Century Fox, becoming a notable star of her era.
Oct. 18 Gwen Verdon
Legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer who overcame childhood physical challenges to become a Tony Award-winning performer. She was known for her extraordinary dance skills and performances in musicals like 'Damn Yankees' and 'Fosse'.
Oct. 18 Julie London
Renowned American actress and jazz singer known for her sultry voice and hit song "Cry Me a River". She released five albums in the 1950s and appeared in several films, including "Task Force" and "On Stage Everybody".
Oct. 30 Steve Allen
Steve Allen was a pioneering television personality, comedian, and multi-talented artist who significantly influenced American entertainment. He was the first host of The Tonight Show and created numerous innovative television programs. Allen was also a prolific writer, composing novels, songs, and comedy across multiple genres.
Dec. 2 Gail Fisher
American actress known for her roles in television, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. She was the first African American woman to win an Emmy Award for a supporting role in a dramatic series.
Dec. 6 Werner Klemperer
German-American actor best known for his iconic comedic role as Colonel Klink in the classic sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes', which ran from 1965 to 1971.
Dec. 23 Victor Borge
Victor Borge was a renowned Danish-American comedian, pianist, and entertainer who revolutionized musical comedy through his unique blend of classical music and humor. He was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1986 for his significant contributions to American culture. His innovative performances made classical music accessible and entertaining to broad audiences.
Dec. 23 Billy Barty
Pioneering American actor and entertainer known for his work as a little person in film and television, who founded the advocacy organization Little People of America.
Dec. 26 Jason Robards
Legendary American actor with a remarkable forty-year career, winning two Academy Awards and being deeply passionate about theater.