Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2012

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2012. 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 Arthur Chaskalson

  Prominent South African lawyer and judge who served as the 18th Chief Justice of South Africa, playing a crucial role in the country's...

• Dec. 1 Rick Majerus

  Legendary American basketball coach known for his exceptional coaching career, particularly with the University of Utah and Saint Louis...

• Dec. 4 Vasily Belov

  Prominent Russian writer known for his significant contributions to rural prose and realistic literature, capturing the essence of...

• Dec. 4 Jack Brooks

  American politician and lawyer who served in Congress, known for his significant legislative work and political career spanning several...

• Dec. 4 Miguel Calero

  Colombian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper and later became a sports manager.

• Dec. 5 Dave Brubeck

  Legendary jazz pianist and composer who revolutionized the genre with innovative time signatures and complex rhythms.

• Dec. 5 Oscar Niemeyer

  Renowned Brazilian architect who designed iconic modernist buildings like the United Nations headquarters and the Cathedral of Brasília,...

• Dec. 5 Ignatius IV of Antioch

  Syrian Orthodox Patriarch who led the church from 1979 to 2012, known for his significant role in Middle Eastern Christian leadership.

• Dec. 6 Jan Carew

  Guyanese-American writer, poet, and playwright known for his significant contributions to Caribbean literature and postcolonial studies.

• Dec. 7 Saul Steinberg

  Prominent American businessman and financier known for his significant contributions to the financial industry, particularly in investment...

• Dec. 8 Jerry Brown

  Prominent California politician who served as governor for multiple terms, known for his progressive policies and political innovation.

• Dec. 9 Norman Joseph Woodland

  Norman Joseph Woodland was an American inventor who co-invented the barcode, a revolutionary technology that transformed retail, inventory...

• Dec. 9 Patrick Moore

  Legendary British astronomer and television presenter who hosted 'The Sky at Night' for over 55 years, making him a pioneering science...

• Dec. 9 Charles Rosen

  Distinguished American pianist, musicologist, and author known for his profound interpretations of classical music and scholarly writings on...

• Dec. 11 Galina Vishnevskaya

  Galina Vishnevskaya was a renowned Russian operatic soprano who gained international acclaim for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and significant contributions to the world of opera in the 20th century. [bio]

• Dec. 11 Ravi Shankar

  Ravi Shankar was a legendary Indian classical musician who revolutionized global understanding of sitar music and significantly influenced...

• Dec. 17 Daniel Inouye

  Prominent American politician and long-serving Democratic Senator from Hawaii, who was a decorated World War II veteran and played...

• Dec. 19 Peter Struck

  German politician who served as the 13th Federal Minister of Defence, contributing significantly to Germany's political landscape before his...

• Dec. 22 Ryan Freel

  American professional baseball player who tragically passed away in 2012, known for his versatile playing style and dedication to the sport.

• Dec. 24 Jack Klugman

  Jack Klugman was an acclaimed American actor best known for his work in television, film, and theater. He became a household name for his starring roles in 'The Odd Couple' and 'Quincy, M.E.', as well as his appearances on stage and in movies. [bio]

• Dec. 24 Charles Durning

  Charles Durning was an acclaimed American actor known for his prolific career in film, television, and theater spanning more than five decades. Renowned for his versatility and distinctive character roles, he appeared in numerous iconic films and received multiple prestigious award nominations. [bio]

• Dec. 24 Richard Rodney Bennett

  Renowned English-American composer and educator known for his versatile musical compositions across classical, jazz, and film genres.

• Dec. 27 Norman Schwarzkopf

  Legendary U.S.

• Dec. 27 Harry Carey

  Prominent American actor in Western films, featured in classics like 'Red River' and frequently used by director John Ford.

• Dec. 27 Archie Roy

  Prominent Scottish astronomer who made significant contributions to celestial research and understanding of astronomical phenomena...

• Dec. 28 Jayne Cortez

  Influential African-American poet, activist, and small press publisher who was a key figure in the Black Arts Movement, known for her...

• Dec. 29 Tony Greig

  Legendary South African-born cricketer who played for Australia and later became a renowned cricket commentator.

• Dec. 30 Rita Levi-Montalcini

  Renowned Italian neurologist who discovered nerve growth factor (NGF) and won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1985.

• Dec. 30 Beate Sirota Gordon

  Austrian-American human rights advocate who played a crucial role in drafting the gender equality clause in the Japanese post-war...