Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2009

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2009. 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. 3 Leila Lopes

  Brazilian actress and journalist (b. 1959)

• Dec. 4 Richard Todd

  Irish actor known for his roles in classic films like 'Dorian Gray' and 'Yangtze Incident', a notable performer in British cinema during mid-20th century.

• Dec. 5 William Lederer

  William Lederer was an American author and military officer known for his influential writings on international relations and military affairs.

• Dec. 5 Jim Rohn

  Influential American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who inspired many business leaders and personal development experts.

• Dec. 9 Gene Barry

  Gene Barry was a prominent American actor known for his roles in television and film, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. He starred in popular TV series like 'Bat Masterson' and 'Burke's Law', establishing himself as a charismatic leading man of his era.

• Dec. 10 Vladimir Teplyakov

  Russian soldier and physicist (b. 1925)

• Dec. 13 Paul A. Samuelson

  Nobel Prize laureate for the scientific work through which he has developed static and dynamic economic theory and actively contributed to raising the level of analysis in economic science

• Dec. 15 Oral Roberts

  Prominent American televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University who significantly influenced pentecostal Christianity in the 20th century. He was known for his faith healing ministries and pioneering religious broadcasting. His ministry was controversial but highly influential in spreading charismatic Christian teachings.

• Dec. 16 Yegor Gaidar

  Prominent Russian economist and politician who served as first deputy prime minister during a critical period of post-Soviet economic transition. He played a key role in implementing radical market reforms in Russia during the early 1990s. His economic policies significantly shaped Russia's transformation from a communist to a market economy.

• Dec. 16 Roy E. Disney

  Roy E. Disney was a key executive who led the strategic renaissance of The Walt Disney Company during the 1980s and 1990s, playing a crucial role in revitalizing the company's creative and financial fortunes.

• Dec. 17 Jennifer Jones

  Acclaimed American actress who won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1943 for her remarkable portrayal of Bernadette in 'The Song of Bernadette'. She was known for her powerful performances in films like 'Love Letters' and 'Duel in the Sun'.

• Dec. 17 Alaina Reed Hall

  Beloved American actress best known for her iconic role as Olivia Robinson on the children's educational program 'Sesame Street', who passed away in 2009.

• Dec. 19 Kim Peek

  Extraordinary megasavant who inspired the movie 'Rain Man', known for his incredible memory and ability to recall vast amounts of information with remarkable precision.

• Dec. 20 Brittany Murphy

  Brittany Murphy was a talented American actress known for her versatile roles in comedy and drama films, who tragically died at a young age. She gained widespread recognition for her performances in 'Clueless', '8 Mile', and 'Just Married', becoming a beloved Hollywood personality in the early 2000s.

• Dec. 21 Edwin G. Krebs

  MED - American biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2009)

• Dec. 22 Albert Scanlon

  English footballer (born 1935)

• Dec. 23 Edward Schillebeeckx

  Prominent Flemish Catholic theologian who was a key figure in the Second Vatican Council and modern theological reform, known for his progressive views on church doctrine.

• Dec. 23 Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme

  Prominent Tibetan politician and Chinese general who played a significant role in Tibet's complex political history during the mid-20th century. He was known for his nuanced negotiations between Tibetan and Chinese authorities during a critical period of political transition.

• Dec. 24 George Michael

  Legendary pop singer and songwriter, known for his incredible musical career with Wham! and as a solo artist. He was a global icon who significantly influenced pop music in the 1980s and 1990s.

• Dec. 24 Rafael Caldera

  Venezuelan lawyer and politician who served as the 65th President of Venezuela, playing a significant role in the country's democratic history.

• Dec. 26 Yves Rocher

  Renowned French entrepreneur who revolutionized natural cosmetics and founded the global beauty brand Yves Rocher. He was a successful businessman and local politician who served as mayor of La Gacilly from 1962 to 1988.

• Dec. 26 Dennis Brutus

  Renowned South African poet and anti-apartheid activist who played a significant role in the struggle against racial oppression, using poetry as a powerful tool for social change.

• Dec. 28 Jimmy Sullivan

  American musician, composer and songwriter. known by his stage name the rev (b. 1981)

• Dec. 29 Janina Bauman

  Polish journalist and writer (b. 1926)

• Dec. 30 Rowland S Howard

  Influential Australian guitarist known for his work with the post-punk band The Birthday Party, recognized as a significant figure in alternative rock music.

• Dec. 30 Abdurrahman Wahid

  Indonesian political leader who served as the fourth President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001, known for his progressive and pluralistic views.

• Dec. 31 Cahal Daly

  Prominent Irish Roman Catholic Archbishop who served as the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland during a critical period of the Northern Ireland conflict.