Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1999

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1999. 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 Charlie Byrd

  Charlie Byrd was a renowned American jazz guitarist known for popularizing Brazilian bossa nova music in the United States during the 1960s.

• Dec. 3 Madeline Kahn

  Madeline Kahn was an acclaimed American actress, comedian, and singer best known for her comedic roles in classic films like 'Blazing Saddles,' 'Young Frankenstein,' and 'Paper Moon.' Renowned for her exceptional talent in both film and theater, she received multiple award nominations and was beloved for her unique comedic timing. [bio]

• Dec. 3 Scatman John

  Scatman John was an innovative American singer known for his unique scat singing style and hit song 'Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)'.

• Dec. 3 Horst Mahseli

  Polish footballer (b. 1934).

• Dec. 4 Rose Bird

  Rose Bird was a pioneering American jurist who served as California's first female Chief Justice from 1977 to 1987.

• Dec. 8 Péter Kuczka

  Hungarian poet and author (b. 1923).

• Dec. 10 Rick Danko

  Rick Danko was a renowned Canadian musician and bassist for the legendary rock group The Band, known for their innovative and influential...

• Dec. 10 Woodrow Borah

  American historian of spanish america (b. 1912).

• Dec. 10 Franjo Tuđman

  Croatian general and politician, 1st president of croatia (b. 1922).

• Dec. 12 Joseph Heller

  Renowned American novelist and satirist best known for his groundbreaking anti-war novel 'Catch-22', which became a landmark work of...

• Dec. 12 Paul Cadmus

  Renowned American artist and illustrator known for his provocative and detailed paintings that often critiqued American society.

• Dec. 17 C. Vann Woodward

  Pulitzer Prize-winning historian who revolutionized understanding of race relations and the American South through groundbreaking scholarly...

• Dec. 17 Grover Washington Jr.

  Legendary jazz saxophonist who significantly influenced smooth jazz and crossover jazz genres, known for hits like 'Mister Magic' and 'Just...

• Dec. 18 Robert Bresson

  Robert Bresson was a highly influential French film director, renowned for his distinctive approach to cinema that emphasized simplicity, restraint, and the use of non-professional actors. Often considered one of the greatest film auteurs, his works have had a significant impact on the art of filmmaking. [bio]

• Dec. 19 Desmond Llewelyn

  British actor best known for his iconic role as Q in the James Bond film series, portraying the witty and ingenious quartermaster across 17...

• Dec. 20 Hank Snow

  Legendary Canadian-American country western singer and guitarist who was a prominent member of the Grand Ole Opry, famous for his hit song...

• Dec. 20 Riccardo Freda

  Egyptian-Italian film director and screenwriter known for his contributions to cinema, active until his death in 1999.

• Dec. 24 Bill Bowerman

  Legendary track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc.

• Dec. 24 Maurice Couve de Murville

  Prominent French diplomat and politician who played a significant role during Charles de Gaulle's presidency, serving as foreign minister...

• Dec. 24 João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo

  João Figueiredo was a Brazilian military leader who played a crucial role in Brazil's transition from military dictatorship to democracy...

• Dec. 26 Curtis Mayfield

  Curtis Mayfield was an influential American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer known for his groundbreaking work in soul, R&B, and funk. He gained fame both as a member of The Impressions and for his solo career, championing civil rights themes and socially conscious music. [bio]

• Dec. 26 Shankar Dayal Sharma

  Indian academic and politician, 9th president of india (b. 1918).

• Dec. 28 Clayton Moore

  Iconic American actor best known for portraying the Lone Ranger in the classic television series.

• Dec. 29 Leon Radzinowicz

  Polish-english criminologist and academic (b. 1906).

• Dec. 30 Sarah Knauss

  American (born 1880), once considered the oldest living person in the world.

• Dec. 31 Elliot Richardson

  Prominent American politician who served as U.S.

• Dec. 31 Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

  Indian muslim scholar and author (b. 1914).