Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1968

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1968. 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. 1 Dario Moreno

  Turkish-Jewish singer, songwriter, and performer who was a notable cultural figure in mid-20th century music and entertainment.

• Dec. 1 Nicolae Bretan

  Romanian opera singer, composer, and conductor (b. 1887).

• Dec. 1 Hugo Haas
• Dec. 3 Gianni Puccini
• Dec. 9 Enoch L. Johnson

  American mob boss (b. 1883).

• Dec. 10 Thomas Merton

  Thomas Merton was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, and poet, renowned for his influential writings on spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. His autobiography, 'The Seven Storey Mountain,' is considered a spiritual classic and played a significant role in bringing monastic spirituality to a wider public. [bio]

• Dec. 10 George Forrest

  Northern irish lawyer and politician (b. 1921).

• Dec. 10 Karl Barth

  Swiss theologian and author (b. 1886).

• Dec. 11 Arthur Hays Sulzberger

  American publisher (b. 1891).

• Dec. 12 Tallulah Bankhead

  Tallulah Bankhead was an American stage and screen actress, renowned for her husky voice, flamboyant personality, and memorable performances in theater, film, and radio. An icon of the early and mid-20th century, she was celebrated for her intelligence, wit, and indomitable spirit. [bio]

• Dec. 15 Antonio Barrette

  Canadian politician, 18th premier of quebec (b. 1899).

• Dec. 15 Jess Willard

  Champion heavyweight boxer (1915-19), is killed at the age of 86.

• Dec. 16 Futabayama Sadaji

  The 35th yokozuna in sumo wrestling history, a highly respected and accomplished professional sumo wrestler who achieved significant status...

• Dec. 16 Muhammad Suheimat

  Jordanian general and politician (b. 1916).

• Dec. 19 Norman Thomas

  American socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America.

• Dec. 20 John Steinbeck

  John Steinbeck was an American author best known for his influential novels depicting the plight of the working class during the Great Depression, including 'The Grapes of Wrath,' 'Of Mice and Men,' and 'East of Eden.' He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962. [bio]

• Dec. 21 Vittorio Pozzo

  Italian footballer, coach, and manager (b. 1886).

• Dec. 22 Raymond Gram Swing

  American journalist (b. 1887).

• Dec. 23 Sati' al-Husri
• Dec. 26 Weegee

  Ukrainian-american photographer and journalist (b. 1898).

• Dec. 28 David Ogilvy

  12th earl of airlie, scottish peer, soldier and courtier (b. 1893).

• Dec. 29 Austin Farrer

  English philosopher and theologian (born in 1904).

• Dec. 30 Trygve Lie

  Norwegian journalist and politician, first secretary-general of the united nations (b. 1896).

• Dec. 30 Bill Tytla
• Dec. 31 George Lewis

  American clarinet player and composer (b. 1900).