Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2000

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

• Oct. 3 Benjamin Orr

  American singer and bassist of the iconic rock band The Cars, who played a crucial role in the band's new wave and power pop sound.

• Oct. 4 Michael Smith

  CHE - English-canadian biochemist and geneticist, nobel prize laureate (d. 2000)

• Oct. 5 Cătălin Hîldan

  Romanian footballer (b. 1976)

• 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. 8 Sheila Holland

  English writer (born 1937).

• Oct. 9 Patrick Anthony Porteous

  Indian-Scottish colonel who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British armed forces.

• Oct. 10 Sirimavo Bandaranaike

  First female prime minister of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), a pioneering political leader who served multiple terms after her husband's assassination. She was a prominent figure in post-colonial South Asian politics and played a significant role in shaping Sri Lanka's national identity.

• Oct. 11 Donald Dewar

  Scottish politician who played a pivotal role in establishing the Scottish Parliament and served as its first First Minister. He was a key figure in Scotland's devolution process and political landscape during the late 20th century.

• Oct. 11 Luc-Marie Bayle

  French multidisciplinary artist and historian who worked as a photographer and painter throughout the 20th century.

• 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. 13 Gus Hall

  American union organizer and head u.s. communist party (d.2000)

• Oct. 14 Tony Roper

  American race car driver (b. 1964)

• Oct. 15 Konrad Bloch

  Renowned biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1964 for his groundbreaking research on cholesterol biosynthesis. His work significantly advanced our understanding of lipid metabolism and cellular processes.

• Oct. 15 Vincent Canby

  American journalist and critic (b. 1924)

• Oct. 16 Rick Jason

  American actor (b. 1923)

• Oct. 16 Mel Carnahan

  American lieutenant, lawyer, and politician, 51st governor of missouri (b. 1934)

• 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. 19 Hortense Ellis

  Jamaican reggae singer (born 1941)

• Oct. 23 Yokozuna

  Rodney Anoa'i was a famous professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), known for his massive size and Samoan heritage. He was a two-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion and a prominent figure in professional wrestling during the 1990s.

• Oct. 23 Rodney Anoa'i aka Yokozuna

  Samoan-american professional wrestling champion (born 1966).

• Oct. 27 Walter Berry (bass-baritone)

  Austrian lyric bass-baritone (b. 1929)

• Oct. 28 Carlos Guastavino

  Renowned Argentine classical composer known for his distinctive musical style that blended folk traditions with classical composition techniques.

• Oct. 28 Andújar Cedeño

  Dominican baseball player (b. 1969)

• 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.

• Oct. 31 Ring Lardner

  Prominent American screenwriter, journalist, and political activist known for his work in Hollywood and his involvement in the Hollywood Ten during the McCarthy era. He was blacklisted for his political beliefs and served time in prison for contempt of Congress.