Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1980

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1980. 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 Romain Gary

  Renowned French novelist, diplomat, and film director, uniquely distinguished as the only author to win the prestigious Prix Goncourt twice...

• Dec. 2 Chaudhry Muhammad Ali

  Indian-pakistani lawyer and politician, 4th prime minister of pakistan (b. 1905).

• Dec. 3 Oswald Mosley

  English lieutenant, fascist, and politician, chancellor of the duchy of lancaster (b. 1896).

• Dec. 4 Francisco de Sá Carneiro

  Prominent Portuguese lawyer and politician who served as the 111th Prime Minister of Portugal.

• Dec. 4 Stanisława Walasiewicz

  Polish-American Olympic athlete who was a pioneering female runner in the early 20th century.

• Dec. 4 Don Warrington

  Canadian football player (b. 1948).

• Dec. 7 Darby Crash

  Influential punk rock musician and lead singer of The Germs, known for his tragic early death and significant impact on the Los Angeles punk...

• Dec. 8 John Lennon

  John Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, and peace activist, best known as a founding member of the Beatles, one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music. [bio]

• Dec. 12 Jean Lesage

  Prominent Canadian politician who served as the 11th Premier of Quebec from 1960 to 1966, leading significant modernization reforms during...

• Dec. 14 Elston Howard

  Elston Howard was a groundbreaking African American baseball player who broke racial barriers as the first Black player for the New York...

• Dec. 16 Hellmuth Walter

  German-American engineer and inventor known for his pioneering work in rocket propulsion technology during the mid-20th century.

• Dec. 16 Harlan Sanders

  American entrepreneur who established the kentucky fried chicken fast food franchise.

• Dec. 16 Colonel Sanders

  American businessman, founded kfc (b. 1890).

• Dec. 18 Alexei Kosygin

  Prominent Soviet politician who served as Premier of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1980, playing a significant role in Soviet governance...

• Dec. 18 Aleksej Nikolaevič Kosygin
• Dec. 18 Héctor José Cámpora
• Dec. 21 Nelson Rodrigues
• Dec. 22 Dick Kallman

  American actor from Brooklyn, New York, known for stage and television performances in the 1950s and 1960s.

• Dec. 24 Karl Dönitz

  German admiral and politician, president of germany (b. 1891).

• Dec. 26 Tony Smith

  Tony Smith was a notable American sculptor and art educator who contributed significantly to mid-20th century sculptural art.

• Dec. 26 Richard Trenton Chase
• Dec. 29 Tim Hardin

  Influential American folk singer-songwriter known for his poignant music, who tragically died from a drug overdose at age 39.

• Dec. 29 Nadezhda Mandelstam

  Russian author and educator (b. 1899).

• Dec. 29 Irvin F. Westheimer

  American businessman and social reformer (b. 1879).

• Dec. 31 Marshall McLuhan

  Renowned Canadian media theorist who coined influential concepts like 'the medium is the message' and profoundly shaped understanding of...

• Dec. 31 Raoul Walsh

  High sierra director in the usa, dies around 88.