Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2016

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2016. 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 Tyruss Himes (Big Syke )
American rapper (b. 1968)[53].
Dec. 6 Peter Vaughan
Peter Vaughan was an English character actor, known for his extensive television and film career that spanned over seven decades. He was praised for his versatility in playing both sympathetic and menacing roles. [bio]
Dec. 7 Greg Lake
Greg Lake was an English musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as a founding member of the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP). [bio]
Dec. 7 Phillip Knightley
Renowned Australian investigative journalist and media critic known for his insightful work on intelligence services and propaganda.
Dec. 7 Junaid Jamshed
Pakistani recording artist, television personality, fashion designer, occasional actor, singer-songwriter and preacher.
Dec. 8 John Glenn
John Glenn was a legendary American astronaut and politician who became the first American to orbit Earth in 1962.
Dec. 12 Shirley Hazzard
Acclaimed Australian-American writer known for her elegant prose and literary works exploring human relationships and international themes.
Dec. 13 Alan Thicke
Canadian-American television personality known for his iconic role as Jason Seaver on the popular family sitcom 'Growing Pains'.
Dec. 13 Thomas C. Schelling
Prize laureate for having enhanced our understanding of conflict and cooperation through game-theory analysis.
Dec. 14 Paulo Evaristo Arns
Brazilian cardinal (b. 1921).
Dec. 15 Craig Sager
Legendary NBA sideline reporter famous for his flamboyant, colorful suits and passionate sports broadcasting.
Dec. 17 Benjamin A. Gilman
American politician who served in Congress, representing New York's 20th congressional district from 1973 to 2003.
Dec. 17 Henry Heimlich
Henry Heimlich was a renowned American physician who developed the famous Heimlich maneuver, a life-saving technique for choking victims.
Dec. 17 Gordon Hunt
American voice director (b. 1929).
Dec. 18 Zsa Zsa Gabor
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian-American actress and socialite, renowned for her glamorous lifestyle, wit, and a string of high-profile marriages. She became a prominent personality in Hollywood during the mid-20th century and was often in the public eye for her charm and flamboyant persona. [bio]
Dec. 19 Andrei Karlov
Russian diplomat, ambassador to turkey (b. 1954).
Dec. 21 Sidney Drell
Renowned theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum electrodynamics and particle physics.
Dec. 24 Liz Smith
Liz Smith was an acclaimed English journalist, author, and actress best known for her roles in British television and film, particularly for her portrayals of eccentric and memorable elderly women. She gained widespread recognition later in life, becoming a beloved character actress on British television. [bio]
Dec. 24 Richard Adams
Acclaimed British author best known for his classic novel 'Watership Down', a beloved anthropomorphic tale about a group of rabbits seeking...
Dec. 24 Ben Xi
Chinese singer (b.1994).
Dec. 24 Rick Parfitt
British musician (b. 1948).
Dec. 25 Vera Rubin
Pioneering astronomer who confirmed the existence of dark matter, revolutionizing our understanding of galactic structure and cosmic...
Dec. 25 Valery Khalilov
Russian military musician and composer (b. 1952).
Dec. 26 Ricky Harris
American comedian, actor (b. 1962).
Dec. 26 George S. Irving
Accomplished American actor, singer, and dancer who had a notable career in entertainment spanning several decades.
Dec. 27 Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher was an American actress, writer, and comedian, best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise. Beyond her acting, Fisher was also a successful author and advocate for mental health awareness. [bio]
Dec. 27 Ratnasiri Wickremanayake
Sri lankan politician (b. 1933).
Dec. 28 Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman, known for her vivacious screen presence and her work in film, television, and on stage. She became a Hollywood icon through roles in classic musicals and comedies, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. [bio]
Dec. 29 LaVell Edwards
Legendary American football coach who led Brigham Young University's football program for 29 years, transforming the team and influencing...
Dec. 31 William Christopher
William Christopher was an American actor best known for his role as Father Mulcahy on the television series 'M*A*S*H.' Over his career, he also appeared in several other TV series and films, gaining recognition for his comedic timing and approachable screen presence. [bio]