Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1981

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1981. 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 Russ Manning
American author and illustrator (b. 1929).
Dec. 1 Estrid Ericson
Dec. 2 Wallace Harrison
American architect, co-founded harrison & abramovitz (b. 1895).
Dec. 2 Francis Hunter
Dec. 3 Joel Rinne
Finnish actor (b. 1897).
Dec. 3 Walter Knott
Knott's berry farm was founded by an american businessman and farmer.
Dec. 4 Jeanne Block
American psychologist (b. 1923).
Dec. 5 Charles Barton
Dec. 6 Harry Harlow
Dec. 12 Tristano Codignola
Dec. 13 Cornelius Cardew
Influential British composer known for his groundbreaking work in avant-garde and experimental music, significantly contributing to the...
Dec. 20 Dimitris Rontiris
Greek actor and director (b. 1899).
Dec. 26 Henry Eyring
Renowned physical chemist who developed the transition state theory explaining chemical reaction kinetics, making fundamental contributions...
Dec. 26 Amber Reeves
New zealand-english scholar and author (d. 1981).
Dec. 26 Savitri
Indian actress, playback singer, dancer, director and producer (b. 1936).
Dec. 26 Suat Hayri Ürgüplü
Turkish politician, prime minister of turkey (b. 1903).
Dec. 27 Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagy Carmichael was an influential American composer, pianist, singer, and actor, best known for composing some of the most enduring songs in the Great American Songbook, including 'Stardust,' 'Georgia on My Mind,' and 'Heart and Soul.' His innovative songwriting and memorable performances made him a central figure in American popular music of the 20th century. [bio]
Dec. 28 Allan Dwan
Canadian-american director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1885).
Dec. 28 Seishi Yokomizo
Dec. 28 Carlo Chiavazza
Dec. 28 Angelo De Santis
Dec. 28 Franco Giongo
Dec. 28 Mollie King
Dec. 29 Miroslav Krleža
Prominent Croatian writer and playwright, considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century.
Dec. 29 Philip Handler
American nutritionist, and biochemist (b. 1917).
Dec. 30 Franjo Šeper