Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2020

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2020. 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 Pat Patterson
Pioneering professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, widely recognized as the first openly gay professional wrestler.
Dec. 2 Valéry Giscard d'Estaing
Dec. 3 Alison Lurie
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and Cornell University professor, renowned for her insightful and witty literary works.
Dec. 5 Peter Alliss
Renowned British golfer who transitioned into a highly respected golf commentator, becoming a legendary voice in the sport.
Dec. 7 Chuck Yeager
Legendary test pilot who broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft, revolutionizing aviation history and becoming a symbol of...
Dec. 7 Dick Allen
Legendary Philadelphia Phillies baseball player known for his powerful hitting and complex career.
Dec. 9 Paolo Rossi
Paolo Rossi was a legendary Italian soccer player who led Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Dec. 10 Barbara Windsor
Dame Barbara Windsor was an English actress best known for her roles in the 'Carry On' film series and as Peggy Mitchell on the BBC soap opera 'EastEnders.' Her career spanned more than six decades and made her a beloved public figure in British entertainment. [bio]
Dec. 10 Joseph Safra
Lebanese-brazilian financier (b.1938).
Dec. 10 Tommy Lister Jr. (Tiny)
American actor and wrestler (b. 1958).
Dec. 10 Carol Sutton
American actress (b. 1944).
Dec. 11 James Flynn
New zealand intelligence researcher.
Dec. 12 Charley Pride
Charley Pride was a pioneering African American country music singer known for breaking racial barriers in the genre. He became the first Black superstar in country music, selling more than 20 million records worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Pride is celebrated for his smooth baritone voice and his string of chart-topping hits during the late 1960s and 1970s. [bio]
Dec. 12 Ann Reinking
Ann Reinking was an acclaimed American actress, dancer, and choreographer, best known for her work in Broadway musicals and her collaborations with Bob Fosse. She was celebrated for her roles in productions like 'Chicago' and for choreographing several stage and film adaptations. [bio]
Dec. 12 John le Carré
Duplicate of John le Carré entry.
Dec. 14 Gérard Houllier
Renowned French football manager who led several prestigious clubs including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Olympique Lyonnais.
Dec. 17 Allen Dines
American politician (b. 1921).
Dec. 17 Jeremy Bullock
English actor (b. 1945).
Dec. 19 Rosalind Knight
English actress (b. 1933).
Dec. 19 Nedo Fiano
Dec. 20 Junior Johnson
Legendary NASCAR driver who revolutionized stock car racing, known for his innovative driving techniques and later successful team ownership...
Dec. 24 Ivry Gitlis
Ivry Gitlis was a world-renowned Israeli violinist celebrated for his extraordinary technical skill and deeply emotional interpretations of...
Dec. 25 K. C. Jones
American basketball player and coach (d. 2020).
Dec. 26 Brodie Lee
Professional wrestler known for his impactful performances in WWE and AEW, tragically passed away in December 2020 at a young age.
Dec. 29 Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin was a renowned Italian-born French fashion designer who revolutionized haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion.
Dec. 30 Dawn Wells
Dawn Wells was an American actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the classic television sitcom 'Gilligan's Island.' She built a career in television, film, and theater, and became a beloved figure in American pop culture. [bio]
Dec. 30 Samuel Little
Dec. 31 Dick Thornburgh
Prominent American politician who served as Governor of Pennsylvania and later as U.S.