Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2008

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2008. 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 Paul Benedict
Paul Benedict was an accomplished American character actor known for his distinctive comedic roles, particularly as Harry on the popular sitcom 'The Jeffersons'.
Dec. 1 Joseph B. Wirthlin
American businessman and religious leader (b. 1917)
Dec. 2 Odetta
Odetta Holmes was a legendary American folk singer, civil rights activist, and influential musician known as the 'Voice of the Civil Rights Movement'. She played a crucial role in the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Dec. 2 Henry Molaison
Famous patient known as 'HM' who significantly contributed to neuroscience research on memory through his unique case of anterograde amnesia.
Dec. 2 Edward Samuel Rogers
Canadian lawyer and prominent businessman who played a significant role in Canadian corporate landscape.
Dec. 3 Robert Zajonc
Polish-american social psychologist (born in 1923)
Dec. 5 Beverly Garland
Versatile American actress and businesswoman who had a successful career in film and television. She was particularly known for her roles in 'My Three Sons' and as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Dec. 5 Nina Foch
Acclaimed Dutch-born American actress known for her Oscar-nominated supporting role in 'Executive Suite' and her work on 'Spartacus'. She was also an assistant director for the classic film 'Diary of Anne Frank'.
Dec. 8 Robert Prosky
Renowned American character actor known for his extensive stage, film, and television work, particularly memorable in roles in 'Hill Street Blues' and 'Broadcast News'.
Dec. 9 Ibrahim Dossey
Ghanaian footballer (born 1972)
Dec. 9 Yury Glazkov
Russian general, pilot, and astronaut (b. 1939)
Dec. 11 Bettie Page
Iconic 1950s pin-up model who became a cultural symbol of sexuality and female empowerment. She was known for her distinctive look and provocative yet playful photography that challenged social norms of her time.
Dec. 12 Van Johnson
Iconic Hollywood actor of the 1940s and 1950s, known for his distinctive red hair and boyish charm. He starred in 125 films and was a prominent performer in theater and cinema during the golden age of Hollywood.
Dec. 12 Avery Dulles
Avery Dulles was a prominent American Jesuit priest, theologian, and cardinal who made significant contributions to Catholic theological scholarship and was widely respected in religious academic circles.
Dec. 12 D. Carleton Gajdusek
Nobel Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning new mechanisms for the origin and dissemination of infectious diseases
Dec. 12 Tassos Papadopoulos
Prominent Cypriot politician who served as the 5th President of Cyprus from 2003 to 2008, known for his significant role in Cypriot politics and legal profession.
Dec. 17 Sammy Baugh
Legendary NFL quarterback who played for the Washington Redskins and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known for revolutionizing the passing game in professional football during the 1930s and 1940s.
Dec. 17 Dave Smith
American baseball player and coach (b. 1955)
Dec. 18 W Mark Felt
Key Watergate whistleblower who revealed Nixon administration corruption as 'Deep Throat', serving as Associate Director of the FBI during a critical period in American political history.
Dec. 18 Majel Barrett
Majel Barrett was a prominent American actress and producer best known for her significant roles in Star Trek, where she was married to series creator Gene Roddenberry.
Dec. 19 James Bevel
Prominent civil rights activist and key strategist in the American Civil Rights Movement, who played a crucial role in organizing major protests and marches.
Dec. 19 Dock Ellis
Controversial Major League Baseball pitcher famous for allegedly throwing a no-hitter while under the influence of LSD in 1970.
Dec. 19 Michael Connell
American political consultant (b. 1963)
Dec. 20 Robert Mulligan
Robert Mulligan was an acclaimed American film director known for directing the classic film 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and several other notable movies in the mid-20th century.
Dec. 24 Harold Pinter
Renowned British playwright and Nobel Laureate in Literature, known for his distinctive dramatic style characterized by pauses and subtle psychological tension. His works significantly influenced modern theater and explored complex human relationships.
Dec. 24 Samuel Huntington
Samuel Huntington was a prominent American political scientist who developed the influential 'Clash of Civilizations' theory, significantly impacting international relations and political discourse. He was a professor at Harvard University and authored several groundbreaking books on global political dynamics.
Dec. 25 Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was a legendary African American singer, actress, and activist known for her distinctive voice, iconic Catwoman role, and powerful civil rights advocacy.
Dec. 29 Freddie Hubbard
Legendary jazz trumpeter known for his innovative hard bop and post-bop styles, who significantly influenced jazz music.
Dec. 31 Donald Westlake
Prolific American crime fiction and comic novelist, known for his witty and satirical writing style. He authored numerous books and won multiple Edgar Awards for his work.