Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2016

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2016. 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. 5 Tyruss Himes (Big Syke )

  American rapper (b. 1968)[53]

• Dec. 6 Peter Vaughan

  Renowned English character actor known for roles in numerous films and television series, including 'Game of Thrones' and 'Porridge'.

• Dec. 7 Greg Lake

  Renowned British progressive rock musician, best known as a member of the influential bands Emerson, Lake & Palmer and King Crimson. He was a significant figure in the development of progressive rock during the 1970s.

• Dec. 7 Phillip Knightley

  Renowned Australian investigative journalist and media critic known for his insightful work on intelligence services and propaganda. He was a respected visiting professor of journalism at the University of Lincoln in England.

• Dec. 7 Junaid Jamshed

  Pakistani recording artist, television personality, fashion designer, occasional actor, singer-songwriter and preacher. (b. 1964)

• Dec. 8 John Glenn

  John Glenn was a legendary American astronaut and politician who became the first American to orbit Earth in 1962. He later served as a United States Senator and was a pivotal figure in the early space exploration era.

• Dec. 12 Shirley Hazzard

  Acclaimed Australian-American writer known for her elegant prose and literary works exploring human relationships and international themes.

• Dec. 13 Alan Thicke

  Canadian-American television personality known for his iconic role as Jason Seaver on the popular family sitcom 'Growing Pains'. He was a versatile entertainer who worked as a TV host, comedian, actor, and writer throughout his career.

• Dec. 13 Thomas C. Schelling

  Nobel Prize laureate for having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game-theory analysis

• Dec. 14 Paulo Evaristo Arns

  Brazilian cardinal (b. 1921)

• Dec. 15 Craig Sager

  Legendary NBA sideline reporter famous for his flamboyant, colorful suits and passionate sports broadcasting. He was particularly known for his courageous battle with cancer while continuing to work in sports journalism.

• Dec. 17 Benjamin A. Gilman

  American politician who served in Congress, representing New York's 20th congressional district from 1973 to 2003.

• Dec. 17 Henry Heimlich

  Henry Heimlich was a renowned American physician who developed the famous Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique for choking victims.

• Dec. 17 Gordon Hunt

  American voice director (b. 1929)

• Dec. 18 Zsa Zsa Gabor

  Zsa Zsa Gabor was a famous Hungarian-American actress, socialite, and celebrity known for her glamorous lifestyle, multiple marriages, and witty personality. She was a prominent Hollywood personality who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career.

• Dec. 21 Sidney Drell

  Renowned theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum electrodynamics and particle physics. He was a professor emeritus at Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and a senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Drell received the National Medal of Science in 2011.

• Dec. 24 Liz Smith

  Renowned American gossip columnist who wrote for major newspapers and published the autobiography 'Natural Blonde' in 2000. She was a prominent entertainment journalist who covered celebrity news for decades.

• Dec. 24 Richard Adams

  Acclaimed British author best known for his classic novel 'Watership Down', a beloved anthropomorphic tale about a group of rabbits seeking a new home.

• Dec. 24 Ben Xi

  Chinese singer (b.1994)

• Dec. 24 Rick Parfitt

  British musician (b. 1948)

• Dec. 25 Vera Rubin

  Pioneering astronomer who confirmed the existence of dark matter, revolutionizing our understanding of galactic structure and cosmic dynamics.

• Dec. 25 Valery Khalilov

  Russian military musician and composer (b. 1952)

• Dec. 26 Ricky Harris

  American comedian, actor (b. 1962)

• Dec. 26 George S. Irving

  Accomplished American actor, singer, and dancer who had a notable career in entertainment spanning several decades.

• Dec. 27 Carrie Fisher

  Iconic American actress, writer, and mental health advocate best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. She was a talented screenwriter and humorist who openly discussed her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction.

• Dec. 27 Ratnasiri Wickremanayake

  Sri lankan politician (b. 1933)

• Dec. 28 Debbie Reynolds

  Iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in classic films like 'Singin' in the Rain'. She was a versatile performer who successfully transitioned between film, television, and stage throughout her career. Reynolds was also the mother of actress Carrie Fisher.

• Dec. 29 LaVell Edwards

  Legendary American football coach who led Brigham Young University's football program for 29 years, transforming the team and influencing modern passing strategies.

• Dec. 29 Keion Carpenter

  American football defensive back (b. 1977)

• Dec. 31 William Christopher

  American actor best known for playing Father Mulcahy in the iconic TV series M*A*S*H, a role that made him widely recognized in television history.