Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2009

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2009. 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. 3 Leila Lopes

  Brazilian actress and journalist (b. 1959).

• Dec. 4 Richard Todd

  Richard Todd was an Irish-born British actor best known for his roles in post-World War II British cinema, notably in the films 'The Dam Busters' and 'The Hasty Heart'. He was one of the most popular British actors of the 1950s. [bio]

• Dec. 4 Liam Clancy

  Irish singer, actor, and guitarist (b. 1935).

• Dec. 5 William Lederer

  William Lederer was an American author and military officer known for his influential writings on international relations and military...

• Dec. 5 Jim Rohn

  Influential American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who inspired many business leaders and personal development experts.

• Dec. 9 Gene Barry

  Gene Barry was an American actor known for his roles in television, film, and stage, particularly in the mid-20th century. He gained fame for starring in the 1953 science fiction film 'The War of the Worlds' and for leading television roles such as 'Bat Masterson' and the title role in 'Burke's Law.' [bio]

• Dec. 13 Paul A. Samuelson

  Prize laureate for the scientific work through which he has developed static and dynamic economic theory and actively contributed to raising...

• Dec. 15 Oral Roberts

  Prominent American televangelist and founder of Oral Roberts University who significantly influenced pentecostal Christianity in the 20th...

• Dec. 16 Yegor Gaidar

  Prominent Russian economist and politician who served as first deputy prime minister during a critical period of post-Soviet economic...

• Dec. 16 Roy E. Disney

  Roy E. Disney was a key executive who led the strategic renaissance of The Walt Disney Company during the 1980s and 1990s, playing a crucial...

• Dec. 17 Jennifer Jones

  Jennifer Jones was an acclaimed American actress known for her distinguished film career during Hollywood's Golden Age. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'The Song of Bernadette' (1943) and appeared in several other notable films. [bio]

• Dec. 17 Alaina Reed Hall

  Beloved American actress best known for her iconic role as Olivia Robinson on the children's educational program 'Sesame Street', who passed...

• Dec. 19 Kim Peek

  Extraordinary megasavant who inspired the movie 'Rain Man', known for his incredible memory and ability to recall vast amounts of...

• Dec. 20 Brittany Murphy

  Brittany Murphy was an American actress and singer best known for her roles in films such as 'Clueless', 'Girl, Interrupted', '8 Mile', and 'Sin City'. [bio]

• Dec. 21 Edwin G. Krebs

  Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning reversible protein phosphorylation as a biological regulatory mechanism.

• Dec. 22 Albert Scanlon

  English footballer (born 1935).

• Dec. 23 Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme

  Prominent Tibetan politician and Chinese general who played a significant role in Tibet's complex political history during the mid-20th...

• Dec. 23 Edward Schillebeeckx

  Prominent Flemish Catholic theologian who was a key figure in the Second Vatican Council and modern theological reform, known for his...

• Dec. 24 George Michael

  Legendary pop singer and songwriter, known for his incredible musical career with Wham! and as a solo artist.

• Dec. 24 Rafael Caldera

  Venezuelan lawyer and politician who served as the 65th President of Venezuela, playing a significant role in the country's democratic...

• Dec. 26 Dennis Brutus

  Renowned South African poet and anti-apartheid activist who played a significant role in the struggle against racial oppression, using...

• Dec. 26 Yves Rocher

  Renowned French entrepreneur who revolutionized natural cosmetics and founded the global beauty brand Yves Rocher.

• Dec. 28 Jimmy Sullivan

  American musician, composer and songwriter.

• Dec. 30 Rowland S Howard

  Influential Australian guitarist known for his work with the post-punk band The Birthday Party, recognized as a significant figure in...

• Dec. 30 Abdurrahman Wahid

  Indonesian political leader who served as the fourth President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001, known for his progressive and pluralistic...

• Dec. 31 Cahal Daly

  Prominent Irish Roman Catholic Archbishop who served as the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland during a critical period of the...

• Dec. 31 Justin Keating

  Irish surgeon, journalist, and politician, minister for industry and commerce (b. 1930).