2000
Alec Guinness (b. 1914)
Actor known best as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars films
2001
George Harrison (b. 1943)
Lead guitarist and vocalist of world-famous rock band The Beatles
2002
Joe Strummer (b. 1952)
Musician known best as rhythm guitarist and frontman of The Clash
2003
Johnny Cash (b. 1932)
Influential American country, folk, blues and rock singer-songwriter
2004
Ray Charles (b. 1930)
Legendary jazz and rock-and-roll songwriter of the 20th century
2005
Johnny Carson (b. 1925)
Comedian known best as host of The Tonight Show for 30 years
2006
Steve Irwin (b. 1962)
TV wildlife expert named “The Crocodile Hunter”
2007
Anna Nicole Smith (b. 1967)
An actress, model, Playboy bunny and international sex symbol
2008
Heath Ledger (b. 1979)
Actor who died from ingesting a toxic combination of drugs at age 28
2009
Michael Jackson (b. 1958)
The most influential pop dancer and entertainer of the 20th century
