Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1978

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1978. 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. 3 William Grant Still

  Composer dies at 83

• Dec. 4 Samuel Abraham Goldsmith

  At age 76, a physicist from the netherlands/us dies.

• Dec. 7 Alexander Wetmore

  American paleontologist and ornithologist (d. 1978).

• Dec. 8 Golda Meir

  Golda Meir was an Israeli politician who served as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel.

• Dec. 10 Ed Wood

  Cult filmmaker known for low-budget science fiction and horror movies, later celebrated as a unique and eccentric figure in cinema history.

• Dec. 10 Edward D Wood Jr

  Director (plan 9), passes away at 54 from heart failure.

• Dec. 10 Miura Isshu

  At 75, zen teacher hakuin rinzai dies.

• Dec. 11 Vincent du Vigneaud

  CHE - American biochemist and academic, nobel prize laureate (d. 1978)

• Dec. 12 Fay Compton

  Actress (othello) dies at 74

• Dec. 14 Salvador de Madariaga

  Spanish historian and diplomat, co-founded the college of europe (b. 1886)

• Dec. 16 Blanche Calloway

  At 76, a us singer/dancer/radio hostess dies.

• Dec. 17 Don Ellis

  Innovative jazz musician known for his experimental big band and groundbreaking film scores, particularly for 'The French Connection'. He was a pioneering trumpeter who blended complex rhythms and unconventional musical techniques.

• Dec. 27 Houari Boumédiène

  Algerian revolutionary leader who served as Chairman of the Revolutionary Council and transformed Algeria's political landscape through a military coup in 1965, removing President Ahmed Ben Bella from power.

• Dec. 27 Bob Luman

  American rockabilly and country music singer-songwriter known for hits in the 1950s and 1960s, who had a significant impact on the country music scene before his early death.

• Dec. 27 Bob de Lange

  Dutch actor/director (daniel) dies at 62

• Dec. 28 Harry Winston

  American jeweler, who was known for his work with the "rich and famous", has died at the age of 82.

• Dec. 31 Basil Wolverton

  Renowned American illustrator and comic book artist known for his distinctive, grotesque drawing style. He made significant contributions to underground comics and Mad Magazine during the mid-20th century.