Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2013

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2013. 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. 2 William Allain
William Allain was the 58th Governor of Mississippi, serving as an American politician and soldier with a notable political career.
Dec. 3 Ahmed Fouad Negm
Renowned Egyptian poet and social critic known for his powerful political and revolutionary poetry that challenged social and political norms.
Dec. 3 Paul Aussaresses
French military general known for his controversial role in the Algerian War, particularly for his admitted use of torture during counterinsurgency operations. His frank discussions about military tactics sparked significant ethical debates about warfare.
Dec. 5 Colin Wilson
Colin Wilson was a prominent British writer and philosopher known for his groundbreaking work 'The Outsider', which explored existential themes and established him as a significant intellectual figure of the mid-20th century.
Dec. 5 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nobel Prize laureate for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa
Dec. 5 Nelson Mandela
PEA - South african lawyer and politician, 1st president of south africa, nobel prize laureate (d. 2013)
Dec. 6 Stan Tracey
Stan Tracey was a renowned British jazz pianist and composer, widely considered one of the most important figures in British jazz history. He was known for his innovative and distinctive style, influencing generations of jazz musicians in the UK.
Dec. 7 Édouard Molinaro
Renowned French film director, producer, and screenwriter known for iconic comedies like 'La Cage aux Folles' and 'Oscar', who significantly influenced French cinema in the 20th century.
Dec. 7 Chick Willis
American blues singer and guitarist who was an influential figure in the rhythm and blues music scene.
Dec. 8 John Warcup Cornforth
Nobel Prize laureate for his work on the stereochemistry of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
Dec. 8 John Cornforth
CHE - Australian-english chemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 2013)
Dec. 9 Eleanor Parker
Acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her vibrant red hair and strong female roles, Eleanor Parker was a prominent film star during the 1950s and 1960s, earning multiple Academy Award nominations for her compelling performances.
Dec. 10 Jim Hall
Renowned American jazz guitarist and composer who significantly influenced modern jazz guitar techniques. He was known for his innovative and subtle playing style.
Dec. 12 Audrey Totter
Prominent American film noir actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood movies like 'The Carpetbaggers' and 'The Set-Up', who was a significant figure in mid-20th century cinema.
Dec. 12 Tom Laughlin
American independent filmmaker best known for the 'Billy Jack' series, a groundbreaking martial arts drama that became a significant cultural phenomenon in the early 1970s.
Dec. 14 Peter O'Toole
Peter O'Toole was a legendary Irish actor renowned for his iconic role in 'Lawrence of Arabia', a performance that earned him an Oscar nomination. He was a charismatic performer known for his storytelling and memorable film roles, receiving multiple Academy Award nominations throughout his distinguished career.
Dec. 15 Joan Fontaine
Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock films like 'Rebecca' and 'Suspicion'. She had a complex family relationship with her sister Olivia de Havilland, also a famous actress. Her early life was marked by family challenges and international experiences.
Dec. 17 Janet Rowley
Pioneering American geneticist who made groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research, particularly in understanding the genetic basis of leukemia and other cancers.
Dec. 19 Ned Vizzini
Acclaimed young adult novelist who wrote about mental health and teenage struggles, tragically died by suicide in 2013.
Dec. 21 John Eisenhower
John Eisenhower was an American military officer, diplomat, and writer, son of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He graduated from West Point and served during World War II, later becoming a respected military historian and diplomat.
Dec. 21 Edgar Bronfman
Prominent Canadian-American businessman and philanthropist who led the Seagram Company and was a significant figure in Jewish community leadership and international diplomacy.
Dec. 23 Mikhail Kalashnikov
Renowned Russian weapons designer who created the iconic AK-47 assault rifle, one of the most widely used and recognizable firearms in world history.
Dec. 23 Yusef Lateef
A pioneering jazz multi-instrumentalist who significantly influenced world music by blending jazz with Eastern musical traditions and exploring innovative musical forms.
Dec. 24 Frédéric Back
Renowned Canadian animator and director, best known for his Oscar-winning animated short films like 'The Man Who Planted Trees'. He was a significant figure in animation history with a distinctive artistic style.
Dec. 25 David R. Harris
Prominent English academic specializing in geography, anthropology, and archaeology, with significant scholarly contributions.
Dec. 25 Mike Hegan
American sports broadcaster and son of baseball player Jim Hegan, who worked in television sports commentary.
Dec. 27 Farooq Sheikh
Farooq Sheikh was a prominent Indian actor, philanthropist, and popular television presenter who made significant contributions to Indian cinema and media.
Dec. 28 Halton Arp
Halton Arp was a prominent astronomer who made significant contributions to understanding extragalactic astronomy through his groundbreaking research on peculiar galaxies.
Dec. 31 James Avery
James Avery was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Uncle Phil on the popular sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', starring alongside Will Smith.
Dec. 31 Roberto Ciotti
Renowned Italian blues guitarist and composer who significantly influenced the Italian blues and rock music scene during his career.