Famous people and celebrities who died in December 2021

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 2021. 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 Bob Dole

  Bob Dole was an American politician, attorney, and decorated veteran who served as U.S. Senate Majority Leader and was the Republican nominee for President in 1996. [bio]

• Dec. 8 Robbie Shakespeare

  Robbie Shakespeare was a legendary Jamaican bass guitarist and record producer, renowned for his significant contributions to reggae and...

• Dec. 9 Demaryius Thomas

  Professional NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, known for his exceptional catching...

• Dec. 10 Michael Nesmith

  Michael Nesmith was an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer, and novelist best known as a member of the pop rock band The Monkees and for his pioneering work in country rock and music video production. [bio]

• Dec. 11 Anne Rice

  Anne Rice was a best-selling American author, renowned for her epic series of gothic fiction novels, most notably 'The Vampire Chronicles', which brought vampires into mainstream popular culture. Her works are celebrated for their sensuous prose and exploration of morality, sexuality, and the supernatural. [bio]

• Dec. 12 Vicente Fernández

  Vicente Fernández was a legendary Mexican singer, actor, and film producer, often referred to as 'El Rey de la Música Ranchera' (The King of Ranchera Music). His powerful voice and iconic performances made him one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Latin American music. [bio]

• Dec. 15 Bell hooks
• Dec. 18 Richard Rogers
• Dec. 19 Robert H. Grubbs

  Prize laureate for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis.

• Dec. 19 Sally Ann Howes

  English-American singer and actress known for her roles in film and stage, most famously in the movie 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.

• Dec. 19 Johnny Isakson

  American politician (b. 1944).

• Dec. 22 Evelyn Boyd Granville

  Evelyn Boyd Granville was a pioneering African-American mathematician who made groundbreaking contributions to NASA's space program and was...

• Dec. 23 Joan Didion

  Joan Didion was an influential American writer known for her sharp, observant prose in novels, essays, and screenplays. A major figure in New Journalism, she explored themes of social fragmentation, culture, and personal loss. [bio]

• Dec. 25 Wayne Thiebaud

  Renowned American pop artist known for his vibrant paintings of everyday objects like cakes, pies, and urban landscapes.

• Dec. 26 Desmond Tutu

  Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent anti-apartheid activist who played a crucial role in South Africa's transition from racial...

• Dec. 26 Desmond Mpilo Tutu

  Prize laureate for his role as a unifying leader figure in the non-violent campaign to resolve the problem of apartheid in South Africa.

• Dec. 26 Karolos Papoulias

  Prominent Greek politician who served as President of Greece from 2005 to 2015, playing a significant role in the country's political...

• Dec. 26 Paul B. Kidd

  Australian author, journalist, and radio show host (b. 1945).

• Dec. 26 Edward O. Wilson

  American biologist (b. 1929).

• Dec. 26 Sarah Weddington
• Dec. 28 John Madden

  Legendary NFL coach, broadcaster, and commentator who revolutionized football analysis and became a cultural icon through his energetic...

• Dec. 28 Harry Reid

  Prominent Democratic politician who served as Senate Majority Leader from 2007 to 2015, representing Nevada and playing a crucial role in...

• Dec. 28 Grichka Bogdanoff

  Grichka Bogdanoff was a French science communicator and television presenter who, alongside his twin brother Igor, became famous for their...

• Dec. 29 Peter Klatzow

  South african composer (b. 1945).

• Dec. 31 Betty White

  Betty White was an iconic American actress and comedian, renowned for her groundbreaking work in television during a career that spanned over eight decades. She was widely celebrated for her roles on 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' [bio]