Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2021

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2021. 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 Bob Dole
Prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator and was the Republican presidential nominee in 1996, running against Bill Clinton.
Dec. 8 Robbie Shakespeare
Robbie Shakespeare was a legendary Jamaican bass guitarist and record producer, renowned for his significant contributions to reggae and popular music. He was a pivotal figure in the rhythm section of many influential recordings.
Dec. 9 Demaryius Thomas
Professional NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his exceptional catching skills and significant contributions to the team.
Dec. 10 Michael Nesmith
American musician and founding member of the iconic pop-rock band 'The Monkees', created as a TV show mimicking the Beatles' style. The group produced several hit songs and became a significant part of 1960s pop culture.
Dec. 11 Anne Rice
Renowned American novelist best known for her gothic and vampire fiction, particularly 'Interview with the Vampire'. She was a prolific writer who explored themes of supernatural and sensual storytelling.
Dec. 12 Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican ranchera singer, actor, and businessman known as 'El Rey de la Música Mexicana' (The King of Mexican Music). He was a cultural icon who significantly influenced Latin American music and entertainment for decades.
Dec. 19 Robert H. Grubbs
Nobel Prize laureate for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis
Dec. 19 Sally Ann Howes
English-American singer and actress known for her roles in film and stage, most famously in the movie 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. She passed away in December 2021.
Dec. 19 Johnny Isakson
American politician (b. 1944)
Dec. 22 Evelyn Boyd Granville
Evelyn Boyd Granville was a pioneering African-American mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to NASA's space program and was one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in mathematics.
Dec. 23 Joan Didion
Renowned American writer known for her influential novels and essays that captured the cultural landscape of California and American society in the late 20th century. She was a key figure in New Journalism and critically acclaimed for her distinctive narrative style.
Dec. 25 Wayne Thiebaud
Renowned American pop artist known for his vibrant paintings of everyday objects like cakes, pies, and urban landscapes. He was a significant figure in the California art scene and influenced modern art with his unique impasto technique.
Dec. 26 Desmond Tutu
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent anti-apartheid activist who played a crucial role in South Africa's transition from racial segregation to democracy. He was a key moral leader in the struggle against apartheid and later advocated for human rights and social justice globally.
Dec. 26 Desmond Mpilo Tutu
Nobel Prize laureate for his role as a unifying leader figure in the non-violent campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid in South Africa
Dec. 26 Karolos Papoulias
Prominent Greek politician who served as President of Greece from 2005 to 2015, playing a significant role in the country's political landscape during a challenging period.
Dec. 26 Edward O. Wilson
American biologist (b. 1929)
Dec. 26 Paul B. Kidd
Australian author, journalist, and radio show host (b. 1945)
Dec. 28 John Madden
Legendary NFL coach, broadcaster, and commentator who revolutionized football analysis and became a cultural icon through his energetic broadcasting style and the popular Madden NFL video game franchise.
Dec. 28 Harry Reid
Prominent Democratic politician who served as Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015, representing Nevada and playing a crucial role in national politics.
Dec. 28 Grichka Bogdanoff
Grichka Bogdanoff was a French science communicator and television presenter who, alongside his twin brother Igor, became famous for their unique style and popular science TV show 'Temps X'.
Dec. 29 Peter Klatzow
South african composer (b. 1945)
Dec. 31 Betty White
Beloved American actress and television icon who was a pioneer in comedy and entertainment, best known for her roles in 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was a beloved public figure known for her wit, humor, and advocacy for animal rights.