Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2001

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2001. 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. 1 Ellis R. Dungan

  American director and producer (b. 1909).

• Dec. 3 Juan José Arreola

  Juan José Arreola was a prominent Mexican writer renowned for his innovative and experimental short stories that challenged traditional...

• Dec. 5 Franco Rasetti

  Italian-american physicist and academic (b. 1901).

• Dec. 8 Betty Holberton

  A pioneering computer scientist who played a crucial role in developing the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer.

• Dec. 8 Mirza Delibašić

  Bosnian basketball player and coach (b. 1954).

• Dec. 9 Michael Carver

  Baron carver, english field marshal (b. 1915).

• Dec. 10 Ashok Kumar

  Ashok Kumar was a pioneering Indian film actor who became one of the most prominent figures in Hindi cinema. Known as 'Dadamoni,' he was celebrated for his naturalistic acting and versatility across genres. His career spanned more than six decades, and he laid the foundation for modern acting in Indian films. [bio]

• Dec. 12 Jean Richard

  Jean Richard was a prominent French actor and singer known for his versatile performances in theater, film, and television.

• Dec. 12 Ardito Desio

  Italian founder of the institute of geology at the university, which he managed until 1972.

• Dec. 14 W. G. Sebald

  Influential German writer known for innovative literary works blending fiction, memoir, and historical reflection.

• Dec. 14 Winfried Sebald
• Dec. 15 Rufus Thomas

  Influential Memphis blues and R&B singer known for his hit song 'Walking the Dog', a significant figure in the development of soul and funk...

• Dec. 16 Stuart Adamson

  Stuart Adamson was a renowned Scottish musician, guitarist, and songwriter known for his work with bands The Skids and Big Country, who...

• Dec. 16 Stefan Heym

  Stefan Heym was a prominent German-Jewish writer and political activist who fled Nazi Germany, served in the US Army during World War II,...

• Dec. 18 Gilbert Bécaud

  Gilbert Bécaud was a renowned French singer, composer, pianist, and actor, celebrated for his energetic stage presence and dubbed 'Monsieur 100,000 Volts' for his dynamic performances. His songs, such as "Et maintenant" and "Nathalie," have become timeless classics not only in France but also internationally. [bio]

• Dec. 19 Marcel Mule

  Marcel Mule was a renowned French classical saxophonist who significantly influenced modern saxophone performance and pedagogy in the 20th...

• Dec. 20 Léopold Sédar Senghor

  Renowned Senegalese poet, philosopher, and politician who served as the first president of Senegal, celebrated for his significant...

• Dec. 22 Ovidiu Iacov

  Romanian footballer (born in 1981).

• Dec. 22 Walter Newton Read

  American lawyer and second chairman of the new jersey casino control commission (b. 1918).

• Dec. 23 Bola Ige

  Nigerian lawyer and politician, 3rd governor of oyo state (b. 1930).

• Dec. 24 Harvey Martin

  Legendary defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who was a key player in the team's 1970s dynasty and Super Bowl victories.

• Dec. 25 Alfred A. Tomatis

  French otolaryngologist and academic (b. 1920).

• Dec. 26 Nigel Hawthorne

  Sir Nigel Hawthorne was a renowned English actor, best known for his roles in stage, television, and film, particularly as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the British sitcom 'Yes Minister' and as King George III in 'The Madness of King George.' [bio]

• Dec. 28 Samuel Abraham Goldblith

  American lieutenant, biologist, and engineer (b. 1919).

• Dec. 28 William X. Kienzle

  American priest and author (b. 1928).

• Dec. 29 György Kepes

  Hungarian painter, photographer, designer, educator and art theorist (b. 1906).

• Dec. 29 Takashi Asahina

  Japanese conductor (born in 1908).

• Dec. 31 Eileen Heckart

  Eileen Heckart was a distinguished American actress renowned for her powerful theater performances and Oscar-winning supporting role in 'The...