Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2000

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2000. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

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. 3 Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks was a pioneering African American poet who broke significant racial barriers in literature by becoming the first Black poet to win the Pulitzer Prize. Her work powerfully explored the African American experience with profound social and cultural insights.
Dec. 4 Henck Arron
Surinamese political leader who served as the first prime minister of Suriname after its independence. He played a crucial role in the country's transition from Dutch colonial rule to an independent nation.
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. 11 Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah
Prominent Pakistani politician, diplomat, and author who played a significant role in the post-partition political landscape of Pakistan. She was a pioneering female leader who contributed to the country's diplomatic and political development.
Dec. 11 David Lewis
American actor (b. 1916)
Dec. 15 Haris Brkić
Bosnian-serbian basketball player (b. 1974)
Dec. 18 Randolph Apperson Hearst
American businessman and heir to the Hearst Corporation, a major media and publishing empire founded by his father William Randolph Hearst.
Dec. 18 Kirsty MacColl
Talented English singer-songwriter known for her pop hits and collaboration with artists like The Pogues, tragically killed in a boating accident in Mexico in 2000.
Dec. 18 Randolph Hearst
American businessman and former president of the Hearst Corporation.
Dec. 18 Stan Fox
American race car driver (born 1952).
Dec. 19 Pops Staples
Influential American gospel and soul musician, founding member of the legendary Staple Singers, known for his distinctive guitar playing and spiritual music.
Dec. 19 John Lindsay
John Lindsay was a prominent American politician who served as Mayor of New York City from 1966 to 1973. He was known for his liberal Republican politics and efforts to address urban challenges during a tumultuous period in the city's history.
Dec. 19 Rob Buck
American singer-songwriter who was a member of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, passed away in 2000.
Dec. 19 David Dewayne Johnson
American convicted murderer (born 1963)
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. 24 Nick Massi
Nick Massi was a prominent bass player and singer for the legendary rock and doo-wop group The Four Seasons, known for their hit songs in the 1960s.
Dec. 24 John Cooper
Influential English race car designer who made significant contributions to automotive engineering and motorsports design.
Dec. 25 Willard Van Orman Quine
Willard Van Orman Quine was a prominent American philosopher and logician who made significant contributions to mathematical logic, philosophy of language, and epistemology. He was a professor at Harvard University and is considered one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His work challenged traditional views of language, meaning, and scientific knowledge.
Dec. 26 Jason Robards
Legendary American actor with a remarkable forty-year career, winning two Academy Awards and being deeply passionate about theater.
Dec. 30 Julius J. Epstein
Renowned Hollywood screenwriter famous for co-writing the classic film 'Casablanca' and multiple Academy Award nominations.
Dec. 31 Jose Greco
Renowned Italian-American dancer celebrated for his exceptional Spanish dance performances, who was a key member of Argentinita's dance troupe and later performed with Pilar Lopez in Madrid.
Dec. 31 Alan Cranston
Prominent California Democratic Senator known for his exceptional political memory and long-lasting liberal career. He was a respected politician who remained active in politics well into his later years, with a reputation for detailed political knowledge.
Dec. 31 Binyamin Ze'ev Kahane
American-israeli rabbi and scholar (b. 1966)