Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2000

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

• 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 2 Sundar Popo

  Indo-trinidadian musician (b. 1943)

• May 3 John Joseph O'Connor

  Cardinal archbishop of New York who served from 1984 to 2000, known for his influential role in the Catholic Church during a significant period of social change.

• May 3 Júlia Báthory

  Hungarian glass designer (b. 1901)

• May 4 Hendrik Casimir

  Renowned Dutch physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and discovered the Casimir effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon in physics.

• May 5 Gino Bartali

  Legendary Italian cyclist known for his religious devotion and competitive spirit. He was a two-time Giro d'Italia winner and Tour de France champion. During World War II, he also helped save Jewish lives by smuggling documents in his bicycle frame.

• May 6 Gordon McClymont

  Australian academic and ecologist (d. 2000).

• 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 8 Pita Amor

  Renowned Mexican poet and author known for her significant contributions to 20th-century Latin American literature. She was a prominent figure in the Mexican literary scene, recognized for her distinctive poetic voice and style.

• May 8 Dédé Fortin

  Influential Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist, member of the band Les Colocs, who tragically passed away in 2000.

• May 8 Henry Nicols

  American activist (b. 1973)

• May 12 Adam Petty

  Promising NASCAR driver from the legendary Petty racing family who tragically died young, cutting short a potential championship career.

• May 13 Jumbo Tsuruta

  Legendary Japanese professional wrestler known for his significant contributions to puroresu (Japanese professional wrestling) and his influential career in the 1970s and 1980s.

• May 18 Stephen M. Wolownik

  Russian-american composer and musicologist (b. 1946)

• May 20 Jean-Pierre Rampal

  Renowned French classical flutist who revolutionized the flute's status as a solo concert instrument, famous for his collaboration with Claude Bolling.

• May 20 Malik Sealy

  Professional NBA player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who tragically died in a car accident at the age of 30. He played as a guard/forward and was known for his versatile playing style.

• 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 21 Barbara Cartland

  Barbara Cartland was a prolific British romance novelist who wrote 723 books, selling over a billion copies worldwide. She was incredibly productive, often dictating novels while reclining on a chaise lounge. In 1991, Queen Elizabeth II honored her as a Dame of the British Empire.

• May 21 Mark R. Hughes

  American businessman, founded herbalife (b. 1956)

• May 24 Majrooh Sultanpuri

  Renowned Urdu poet and lyricist who significantly contributed to Hindi cinema's golden era, writing memorable songs for numerous Bollywood films across several decades.

• May 24 Kurt Schork

  American journalist and scholar (b. 1947)

• May 25 Nicholas Clay

  British actor known for his roles in television and film during the 1970s and 1980s.

• May 27 Maurice Richard

  Maurice Richard was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player, nicknamed 'The Rocket', who revolutionized the sport with his incredible scoring ability and speed. He played right wing for the Montreal Canadiens and is considered one of the greatest hockey players in NHL history. His impact on Canadian sports culture was profound, making him a national hero.

• May 27 Murray MacLehose

  Baron maclehose of beoch, scottish politician and diplomat, 25th governor of hong kong (b. 1917)

• May 30 Tex Beneke

  Prominent American jazz saxophonist, singer, and bandleader, famous for his work with the Glenn Miller Orchestra during the swing era.

• May 31 Tito Puente

  Tito Puente was a legendary Latin jazz and salsa musician known as the 'King of Latin Music', who significantly influenced Afro-Cuban and Latin American musical styles during the 20th century.

• May 31 Petar Mladenov

  Bulgarian diplomat, 1st president of bulgaria (b. 1936)

• May 31 A. Jeyaratnam Wilson

  Sri lankan historian, author, and academic (b. 1928)