Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1986

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1986. 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 Frank McCarthy

  American general and film producer (b. 1912).

• Dec. 1 Bobby Layne
• Dec. 2 Desi Arnaz

  Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American musician, actor, and television producer best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the classic television sitcom 'I Love Lucy.' He was instrumental in pioneering the multi-camera production technique and was a co-founder of Desilu Productions, which produced several influential television shows. [bio]

• Dec. 4 Reuben Nakian

  Renowned American sculptor known for his modernist works.

• Dec. 5 Edward Youde

  Welsh-chinese sinologist and diplomat, 26th governor of hong kong (b. 1924).

• Dec. 6 Malik Oussekine

  French-Algerian student whose tragic death during a police confrontation in Paris became a symbol of police brutality and racial tensions in...

• Dec. 12 Sergio Bettini
• Dec. 13 Smita Patil

  Smita Patil was an acclaimed Indian actress who gained recognition for her powerful performances in Hindi, Marathi, and other regional films, primarily during the 1970s and 1980s. Renowned for her roles in parallel cinema and socially relevant films, she is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Indian film history. [bio]

• Dec. 13 Ella Baker

  Pivotal African American civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, working with organizations like SCLC...

• Dec. 15 Serge Lifar

  Renowned Russian-French ballet dancer and choreographer who significantly influenced 20th-century dance.

• Dec. 15 Seymour Lipton
• Dec. 17 Guillermo Cano Isaza
• Dec. 19 V. C. Andrews

  Renowned American novelist famous for gothic horror and family sagas, particularly her bestselling novel 'Flowers in the Attic'.

• Dec. 19 Werner Dankwort

  Russian-german colonel and diplomat (b. 1895).

• Dec. 19 Virginia Andrews
• Dec. 22 David Penhaligon

  Cornish liberal politician (b. 1944), member of parliament (mp) for truro (1974-1986).

• Dec. 24 Gardner Fox

  Gardner Fox was a legendary comic book writer who significantly shaped the DC Comics universe, creating foundational superhero teams like...

• Dec. 26 Elsa Lanchester

  Elsa Lanchester was an English actress best known for her iconic role as the Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Over her decades-long career, she appeared in a variety of notable films and television productions, earning two Academy Award nominations. Lanchester's unique screen presence and versatility made her a memorable figure in classic Hollywood. [bio]

• Dec. 27 Dumas Malone

  American author and historian (d. 1986).

• Dec. 28 Andrei Tarkovsky

  Legendary Soviet filmmaker considered one of the most influential directors in cinema history, known for poetic and philosophical films like...

• Dec. 28 John MacDonald

  Renowned American mystery novelist famous for creating Travis McGee, a unique detective character.

• Dec. 29 Harold Macmillan

  British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

• Dec. 29 Pietro Parente