Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2020

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2020. 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 Pat Patterson

  Pioneering professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, widely recognized as the first openly gay professional wrestler. He was instrumental in developing the Royal Rumble match format.

• Dec. 3 Alison Lurie

  Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and Cornell University professor, renowned for her insightful and witty literary works.

• Dec. 5 Peter Alliss

  Renowned British golfer who transitioned into a highly respected golf commentator, becoming a legendary voice in the sport.

• Dec. 7 Chuck Yeager

  Legendary test pilot who broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft, revolutionizing aviation history and becoming a symbol of American aerospace achievement.

• Dec. 7 Dick Allen

  Legendary Philadelphia Phillies baseball player known for his powerful hitting and complex career. He was the National League MVP in 1972 and is considered one of the most talented players of his era.

• Dec. 9 Paolo Rossi

  Paolo Rossi was a legendary Italian soccer player who led Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He was a prolific goal scorer who played for top clubs like Juventus and was named European Football Player of the Year.

• Dec. 10 Barbara Windsor

  Iconic British actress and comedian famous for her roles in the 'Carry On' film series and her distinctive blonde beehive hairstyle. She was a beloved entertainment figure who significantly influenced British comedy and cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Dec. 10 Tommy Lister Jr. (Tiny)

  American actor and wrestler (b. 1958)

• Dec. 10 Carol Sutton

  American actress (b. 1944)

• Dec. 10 Joseph Safra

  Lebanese-brazilian financier (b.1938)

• Dec. 11 James Flynn

  New zealand intelligence researcher. (b. 1934)

• Dec. 12 Ann Reinking

  Renowned Broadway dancer, choreographer, and actress best known for her work in 'Chicago' and her significant contributions to musical theater during the 1970s and 1980s.

• Dec. 12 Charley Pride

  Groundbreaking African American country music singer who became the first Black superstar in the genre, selling over 20 million records and winning multiple Grammy Awards.

• Dec. 12 John le Carré

  Duplicate of John le Carré entry

• Dec. 14 Gérard Houllier

  Renowned French football manager who led several prestigious clubs including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Olympique Lyonnais. He achieved significant success, winning multiple titles including the UEFA Cup and FA Cup. His career was notably impacted by health challenges.

• Dec. 17 Jeremy Bullock

  English actor (b. 1945)

• Dec. 17 Allen Dines

  American politician (b. 1921)

• Dec. 19 Rosalind Knight

  English actress (b. 1933)

• Dec. 20 Junior Johnson

  Legendary NASCAR driver who revolutionized stock car racing, known for his innovative driving techniques and later successful team ownership in the sport.

• Dec. 24 Ivry Gitlis

  Ivry Gitlis was a world-renowned Israeli violinist celebrated for his extraordinary technical skill and deeply emotional interpretations of classical music. He was considered one of the most distinctive and passionate violinists of the 20th century, performing with major orchestras worldwide.

• Dec. 25 K. C. Jones

  American basketball player and coach (d. 2020)

• Dec. 26 Brodie Lee

  Professional wrestler known for his impactful performances in WWE and AEW, tragically passed away in December 2020 at a young age.

• Dec. 29 Pierre Cardin

  Pierre Cardin was a renowned Italian-born French fashion designer who revolutionized haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. He was famous for his avant-garde designs and innovative approach to clothing, becoming a global fashion icon. Cardin was the first designer to create a ready-to-wear collection and was known for his futuristic, geometric styles.

• Dec. 30 Dawn Wells

  Famous American actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers in the classic TV series 'Gilligan's Island'. She was Miss Nevada in 1959 and became a beloved television personality.

• Dec. 31 Dick Thornburgh

  Prominent American politician who served as Governor of Pennsylvania and later as U.S. Attorney General, playing significant roles in national politics during the late 20th century.