Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2004

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2004. 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. 1 Bill Brown
Scottish footballer (b. 1931)
Dec. 2 Alicia Markova
Renowned English ballet dancer and choreographer who was a pioneering figure in 20th-century dance. She was a principal dancer with the Ballets Russes and co-founded the English National Ballet.
Dec. 4 Elena Souliotis
Greek soprano and actress (b. 1943)
Dec. 7 Jerry Scoggins
American singer and guitarist (b. 1913)
Dec. 8 Dimebag Darrell
Legendary guitarist of metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, tragically murdered on stage during a live performance in 2004.
Dec. 9 Lea De Mae
Czech adult film actress and model who was active in the early 2000s, tragically passing away in 2004.
Dec. 9 David Brudnoy
Prominent American conservative talk-show host renowned for his intellectual and balanced approach to discussing complex issues. He was respected for presenting rational arguments without resorting to personal attacks.
Dec. 10 Gary Webb
Gary Webb was an investigative journalist who exposed the CIA's involvement in cocaine trafficking during the Iran-Contra affair, a controversial revelation that significantly impacted American political discourse.
Dec. 11 Arthur Lydiard
Pioneering New Zealand running coach who revolutionized long-distance training methods and influenced modern marathon and distance running techniques worldwide.
Dec. 16 Agnes Martin
Influential Canadian-American abstract painter recognized for her minimalist grid paintings and profound contributions to post-war art movements.
Dec. 17 Tom Wesselmann
Tom Wesselmann was a prominent American pop artist known for his innovative and provocative artwork, particularly his 'Great American Nude' series. He was a key figure in the 1960s pop art movement, creating vibrant and stylized paintings, collages, and sculptures that challenged traditional artistic representations.
Dec. 19 Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi was a legendary Italian operatic soprano renowned for her exceptional vocal range and beautiful timbre. She was a leading lyric soprano of the mid-20th century, performing at prestigious venues like La Scala and making significant contributions to the world of classical music. Her two-octave voice and emotive performances made her one of the most celebrated opera singers of …
Dec. 19 Herbert C. Brown
CHE - English-american chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2004)
Dec. 21 Autar Singh Paintal
Renowned Indian physiologist and neurologist who made significant contributions to medical research, particularly in understanding neurological processes and physiological mechanisms.
Dec. 23 P. V. Narasimha Rao
P. V. Narasimha Rao was a prominent Indian politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. He is widely recognized as the architect of India's economic liberalization, initiating critical reforms that transformed the country's economic landscape.
Dec. 26 Reggie White
Legendary NFL defensive end known as the 'Minister of Defense', who played for multiple teams and was a two-time NFL 'Player of the Year'. He was not only a remarkable athlete but also an ordained minister who made significant contributions to professional football.
Dec. 26 Angus Ogilvy
British businessman and royal family member, husband of Princess Alexandra of Kent, known for his philanthropic work and royal connections.
Dec. 26 Jonathan Drummond-Webb
South african surgeon and academic (b. 1959)
Dec. 27 Hank Garland
Renowned jazz and country guitarist known for his exceptional skill and influential recordings in the 1950s and 1960s.
Dec. 28 Jerry Orbach
Renowned American actor and singer best known for his iconic role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the long-running TV series Law & Order. He was a versatile performer who also had a successful career on Broadway and in film.
Dec. 28 Susan Sontag
Susan Sontag was an influential American intellectual, writer, and cultural critic who significantly shaped 20th-century thought through her essays, novels, and political activism. She was known for her profound insights on art, culture, media, and politics, challenging conventional perspectives.
Dec. 29 Julius Axelrod
Renowned American biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in neurotransmitter research and drug metabolism.
Dec. 29 Peter Davison
British actor best known for his role as the Fifth Doctor in the iconic science fiction series Doctor Who, and for his work in various television productions.
Dec. 30 Artie Shaw
Renowned American jazz clarinetist, composer, and bandleader who was a pivotal figure in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his innovative musical style and hit recordings like 'Begin the Beguine'.
Dec. 31 Gérard Debreu
French-American economist who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1983 for groundbreaking contributions to general equilibrium theory, significantly advancing economic understanding of market dynamics.