Famous people and celebrities who died in February 2000

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in February 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

• Feb. 4 Carl Albert

  Carl Albert was a prominent American politician who served as the 54th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1971 to 1977, representing Oklahoma's Democratic Party.

• Feb. 4 Doris Coley

  Doris Coley was a member of the iconic American girl group The Shirelles, who played a significant role in the development of early 1960s pop and R&B music.

• Feb. 5 Claude Autant-Lara

  Claude Autant-Lara was a prominent French film director known for his significant contributions to French cinema during the mid-20th century. He began his career early as a set and costume designer before transitioning to directing, becoming an influential figure in the French film industry. His work was deeply influenced by his pacifist mother and his experiences during the early 20th …

• Feb. 6 Phil Walters

  American race car driver and pilot known for his versatility in motorsports during the mid-20th century.

• Feb. 6 Hani al-Rahib

  Syrian novelist and literary academic (b. 1939)

• Feb. 7 Doug Henning

  Renowned Canadian magician and illusionist who popularized magic on Broadway and television during the 1970s and 1980s, known for his flamboyant style and transformative performances.

• Feb. 7 Big Pun

  Puerto Rican-American rapper who significantly influenced hip-hop music.

• Feb. 7 Dave Peverett

  Dave Peverett was a prominent English rock musician, best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the blues-rock bands Foghat and Savoy Brown. He was a significant figure in the 1970s rock scene.

• Feb. 8 Derrick Thomas

  Derrick Thomas was a legendary NFL linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his extraordinary pass-rushing abilities and impactful career.

• Feb. 11 Jacqueline Auriol

  Pioneering French aviator who set multiple world records, notably breaking speed barriers and becoming a significant figure in aviation history during the mid-20th century.

• Feb. 11 Roger Vadim

  French director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1928)

• Feb. 11 Lord Kitchner

  Trinidadian singer (b. 1922)

• 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. 12 Tom Landry

  Legendary NFL coach of the Dallas Cowboys who revolutionized modern football strategy and led the team to multiple Super Bowl victories.

• Feb. 12 Oliver

  American singer best known for his hit singles 'Good Morning Starshine' and 'Jean' in 1969. He died of cancer on February 12, 2000, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

• Feb. 13 Anders Aalborg

  Canadian educator and politician (b. 1914)

• Feb. 13 John Leake

  English soldier (b. 1949)

• Feb. 16 Lila Kedrova

  Renowned Russian-born actress who won an Academy Award for her supporting role in 'Zorba the Greek' in 1964.

• Feb. 16 Marceline Day

  Marceline Day was a prominent American silent film actress who appeared in numerous movies during the 1920s, representing the golden era of silent cinema.

• Feb. 18 Alla Rakha

  Legendary Indian tabla maestro who revolutionized world music by introducing classical Indian percussion to global audiences.

• Feb. 19 Friedensreich Hundertwasser

  Innovative Austrian-New Zealand artist and architect known for unique, colorful architectural designs like Waldspirale and Kuchlbauer Tower, blending organic forms with architectural creativity.

• Feb. 20 Anatoly Sobchak

  Russian politician and scholar mayor of saint petersburg (d.2000)

• Feb. 21 Clifton Daniel

  Prominent American journalist who worked for The New York Times, known for his distinguished career in print media and journalism.

• Feb. 22 Fernando Buesa

  Spanish politician and public figure who was assassinated by ETA terrorist group in 2000, known for his political work in the Basque region.

• Feb. 23 Stanley Matthews

  Stanley Matthews was a pioneering English footballer widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation. Known as the 'Wizard of the Dribble', he was the first footballer to be knighted while still playing and is regarded as a true sporting legend.

• Feb. 23 Ofra Haza

  Renowned Israeli singer and actress known for blending Yemenite Jewish music with pop and world music, achieving international recognition.

• Feb. 26 George L. Street III

  American naval captain and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II, recognized for extraordinary heroism in combat.