Famous People Who Died In 2000

Discover the most famous people died who died in the year 2000. This list includes people like Hedy Lamarr, Pierre Trudeau, Walter Matthau, Alec Guinness, Terence McKenna and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include political leaders, journalists, poets and prime ministers who died in 2000. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, Canada & France and many more countries.
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 1 
Hedy Lamarr
(Actress Best Known for Her Films 'Algiers', 'Lady of the Tropics' & 'Boom Town')
Hedy Lamarr
38
Birthdate: November 9, 1914
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Died: January 19

Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress whose early career was defined by her performance in the controversial Czech erotic film Ecstasy. Apart from gaining popularity as a beautiful Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr became known as an inventor after co-inventing frequency-hopping spread spectrum. Her career has inspired several works of art. She was also the inspiration behind the iconic character Catwoman.

 2 
Alec Guinness
18
Birthdate: April 2, 1914
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Died: August 5

Alec Guinness went from being an ad copywriter, to a Shakespearean stage actor, to delivering an Academy Award-winning performance as Colonel Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai. He was part of the Royal Naval Reserve during World War II and received the knighthood for his contribution to arts.

 3 
Walter Matthau
(Best Known for His Roles in the Films: ‘A Face in the Crowd’ and ‘King Creole’)
Walter Matthau
12
Birthdate: October 1, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: July 1

Walter Matthau was an American actor who won major acting awards, such as an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Tony Awards. He is best remembered for his acting partnership with Jack Lemmon in films like The Odd Couple and Grumpy Old Men. His death was mourned by the entire film industry, with Lemmon paying tribute on Larry King Live.

 4 
Jim Varney
(Actor and Comedian Best Known for His Broadly Comedic Role as ‘Ernest P. Worrell’)
Jim Varney
32
Birthdate: June 15, 1949
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Died: February 10
Jim Varney is best known for playing the iconic character Ernest Worrell in countless commercials, and later in a movie franchise, and a series named Hey, Vern, It's Ernest!, which earned him an Emmy. He also appeared in The Beverly Hillbillies and voiced Slinky Dog in the Toy Story films.
 5 
Pierre Trudeau
(15th Prime Minister of Canada)
Pierre Trudeau
55
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 18, 1919
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
Died: September 28

Pierre Trudeau was a Canadian politician who served as the 15th prime minister of the country. His personality generated excitement within Canada's mass media, which gave rise to the term Trudeaumania. The effects of Trudeau's contribution to Canadian nationalism can still be felt in Canada. 

 6 
Charles M. Schulz
(Cartoonist)
Charles M. Schulz
10
Birthdate: November 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Died: February 12

Charles M. Schulz was an American cartoonist. He is credited with creating the popular comic strip, Peanuts, which featured world-renowned characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Considered one of the most influential cartoonists ever, Schulz's works have influenced other cartoonists like Dav Pilkey, Matt Groening, and Jim Davis. In 1996, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 7 
Benjamin Orr
(Best Known as the Bassist, Co-founder, and Co-lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Cars')
Benjamin Orr
18
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lakewood, Ohio, United States
Died: October 3
 8 
Jason Robards
(Actor)
Jason Robards
6
Birthdate: July 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: December 26
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 9 
Loretta Young
(Actress)
Loretta Young
18
Birthdate: January 6, 1913
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Died: August 12

Loretta Young began as a child actor. She later won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Katrin "Katy" Holstrum in The Farmer's Daughter and earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Come to the Stable. Fans also loved her in the Emmy-winning series The Loretta Young Show.

 10 
Larry Linville
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Major Frank Burns’ on the TV Series ‘M*A*S*H’)
Larry Linville
2
Birthdate: September 29, 1939
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Ojai, California, United States
Died: April 10

Larry Linville was an American actor best known for playing Major Frank Burns in the popular war comedy-drama TV series, M*A*S*H. His portrayal of an ill-tempered, civilian doctor in the series earned him wide recognition. Surprisingly, he declined an offer to renew his contract for two more seasons to pursue other roles, but couldn't emulate the success achieved through M*A*S*H.

 11 
Gwen Verdon
(Actress and Dancer Known for Her Work in the Musicals: ‘Damn Yankees’, ‘Sweet Charity’, and ‘Chicago’)
Gwen Verdon
3
Birthdate: January 13, 1925
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Culver City, California, United States
Died: October 18

Four-time Tony-winning actor Gwen Verdon is remembered for her SAG-nominated performance in Marvin’s Room. She was known for her signature red hair and her love for cats. She was nominated for Emmys for the series Magnum, P.I., Dream On, and Homicide: Life on the Street. She inspired the series Fosse/Verdon.

 12 
Julie London
(Singer, Actress)
Julie London
4
Birthdate: September 26, 1926
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Santa Rosa, California, United States
Died: October 18
 13 
Tom Landry
(American Professional Football Player and Coach)
Tom Landry
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 11, 1924
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mission, Texas, United States
Died: February 12
American football player and two-time Superbowl-winning coach Tom Landry had successful stints with the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He was also the longest-tenured NFL coach, working with the Dallas Cowboys for 29 seasons. He pioneered the 4–3 defense and the flex defense. 
 14 
Yokozuna
(Professional Wrestler)
Yokozuna
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 2, 1966
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: October 23
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 15 
John Gielgud
(Former Actor best known for his Shakespearean roles in the theater, he first played Hamlet at the age of 26)
John Gielgud
6
Birthdate: April 14, 1904
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: South Kensington, London, United Kingdom
Died: May 21
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 16 
Meredith MacRae
9
Birthdate: May 30, 1944
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Died: July 14
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 17 
Steve Allen
(TV personality)
Steve Allen
5
Birthdate: December 26, 1921
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: October 30
 18 
Werner Klemperer
(Actor)
Werner Klemperer
3
Birthdate: March 22, 1920
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
Died: December 6
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 19 
Richard Mulligan
5
Birthdate: November 13, 1932
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Died: September 26
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 20 
Jean Peters
(Actress)
Jean Peters
3
Birthdate: October 15, 1926
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Canton, Ohio, USA
Died: October 13
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 21 
Derrick Thomas
(American football player)
Derrick Thomas
14
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 1, 1967
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, USA
Died: February 8
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 22 
Władysław Szpilman
(Pianist Widely Known as the Central Figure in the 2002 'Roman Polanski' Film 'The Pianist')
Władysław Szpilman
11
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 5, 1911
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sosnowiec, Poland
Died: July 6

Władysław Szpilman was a Polish pianist of Jewish descent. He was a popular performer on Polish radio and in concert in the 1930s. He was also a prolific composer. He survived the Holocaust and was the central figure in the 2002 Roman Polanski film The Pianist. His son, Andrzej Szpilman, is also a composer and music producer. 

 23 
David Tomlinson
(Actor)
David Tomlinson
6
Birthdate: May 7, 1917
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England, UK
Died: June 24
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 24 
Richard Farnsworth
9
Birthdate: September 1, 1920
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: October 6
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
7
Birthdate: December 9, 1909
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: May 7
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 26 
Victor Borge
(Pianist and Comedian Known for His Popular Radio and TV Performances in Europe and the US)
Victor Borge
9
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 3, 1909
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
Died: December 23

Victor Borge was a Danish-American pianist, conductor, and comedian. He is best remembered for blending comedy and music for which he achieved popularity across Europe and the United States. Recipient of several prestigious awards, Borge received badges of chivalric orders from countries like Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In 1999, he received the Kennedy Center Honors.

 27 
Jack Hemingway
(Conservationist, Writer)
Jack Hemingway
4
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 10, 1923
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
Died: December 1
 28 
Billy Barty
(Actor)
Billy Barty
1
Birthdate: October 25, 1924
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Millsboro, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: December 23
Height: 3'9" (114 cm)
 29 
Friedensreich Hundertwasser
(Austrian Visual Artist and Architect)
Friedensreich Hundertwasser
23
Birthdate: December 15, 1928
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Vienna
Died: February 19

Austrian visual artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser is remembered for his imagination, his love for bold colors and uneven forms, and his dislike for “straight lines.” He and his Jewish mother escaped the Nazis by posing as Christians. His architectural projects are focused on environment-friendly buildings, such as the Hundertwasserhaus apartment block.

 30 
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
(Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1960 - 1965, 1970 - 1977, 1994 - 2000))
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
25
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 17, 1916
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Mahawalathenna, Sri Lanka
Died: October 10
Sirimavo Bandaranaike served as the prime minister of Sri Lanka and was the world's first female prime minister. She was initially married to prime minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and participated in charitable work for rural women. She joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party after her husband’s assassination.
 31 
Nancy Marchand
(Actress)
Nancy Marchand
7
Birthdate: June 19, 1928
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA
Died: June 18
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 32 
Tito Puente
(actor, bandleader, conductor, composer, jazz musician, percussionist)
Tito Puente
14
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 20, 1922
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York City
Died: June 1
 33 
Nick Massi
(Bass Singer & Bass Guitarist for 'The Four Seasons')
Nick Massi
5
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 19, 1927
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: December 24
 34 
Jean Speegle Howard
13
Birthdate: January 31, 1927
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Duncan, Oklahoma, United States
Died: September 2
 35 
Maurice Richard
(Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player)
Maurice Richard
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 4, 1921
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Died: May 27
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 36 
René Gerónimo Favaloro
(Cardiovascular Surgeon)
René Gerónimo Favaloro
9
Listed In: Physicians
Birthdate: July 12, 1923
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: La Plata, Argentina
Died: July 29

René Gerónimo Favaloro was an Argentine educator and cardiac surgeon. He is best remembered for his work on coronary artery bypass surgery. Favaloro is credited with establishing the Favaloro Foundation in an attempt to emulate Cleveland Clinic. He is also credited with founding the Basic Investigation Laboratory, which was financed with his own money.

 37 
Ian Dury
(Singer)
Ian Dury
9
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 12, 1942
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Harrow, Middlesex, England
Died: March 27
 38 
George Montgomery
(Best Known for His Work in Western Films)
George Montgomery
0
Birthdate: August 27, 1916
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Brady, Montana, United States
Died: December 12

George Montgomery was an American actor best remembered for his work in television and Western films. A multi-talented personality, Montgomery was also known as a director, producer, stuntman, writer, sculptor, painter, and furniture craftsman. George Montgomery achieved popularity after singing with 20th Century Fox in 1939; he then went on to become a leading man in Hollywood during the 1940s.

 39 
Edward Gorey
(American Writer and Artist, Noted for His Own Illustrated Books and Cover Art)
Edward Gorey
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 22, 1925
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: April 15
Edward Gorey is known for his pen-and-ink drawings which reflect his arch humor and gothic sensibility. He has published over 100 independent works and illustrated over 50 works by other authors. An iconic figure in gothic culture, Gorey's famous works include The Unstrung Harp, The Curious Sofa, The Iron Tonic: Or, A Winter Afternoon in Lonely Valley, The Dwindling Party.
 40 
Charles Gray
(Actor)
Charles Gray
2
Birthdate: August 28, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bournemouth, England
Died: March 7
 41 
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
(American Singer-Songwriter, Musician and Actor)
Screamin' Jay Hawkins
7
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: July 18, 1929
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Died: February 12
 42 
Barbara Cartland
(Writer, Known as the ‘Queen of Romance’, One of the Best-Selling Authors Worldwide of the 20th Century)
Barbara Cartland
4
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: July 9, 1901
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
Died: May 21
 43 
Gwendolyn Brooks
7
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: June 7, 1917
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Topeka, Kansas
Died: December 3
 44 
Marie Windsor
(Actress)
Marie Windsor
4
Birthdate: December 11, 1919
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Marysvale, Utah, U.S.
Died: December 10
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 45 
Claire Trevor
(Actress)
Claire Trevor
7
Birthdate: March 8, 1910
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Died: April 8
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 46 
John Lindsay
(Mayor of New York City (1966-73))
John Lindsay
6
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 24, 1921
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: December 19
 47 
Doug Henning
(Magician)
Doug Henning
7
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: May 3, 1947
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Canada
Died: February 7
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 48 
Empress Kōjun
(Consort)
Empress Kōjun
6
Birthdate: March 6, 1903
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Died: June 16

Empress Kōjun was an Empress consort of Japan. As the wife of Emperor Shōwa, Kōjun was one of the most important members of the Imperial House of Japan. She reigned as empress consort from 1926 to 1989, becoming the longest-serving empress consort in the history of Japan. Kōjun performed her ceremonial duties and accompanied Emperor Shōwa on his foreign tours.

 49 
Virginia Admiral
(American Painter and Poet)
Virginia Admiral
1
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 4, 1915
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: The Dalles, Oregon, United States
Died: July 27
 50 
Elmo Zumwalt
(Naval Officer)
Elmo Zumwalt
2
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 29, 1920
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States
Died: January 2