Famous people and celebrities who died in November 1978

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in November 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

Nov. 6 Harry Bertoia
Harry Bertoia was a renowned Italian-American artist and designer famous for his innovative metal sculptures and iconic wire furniture. He created decorative screens for prestigious public spaces and designed the famous Diamond Chair for Knoll Associates.
Nov. 6 Heiri Suter
Swiss cyclist (born 1899).
Nov. 6 Flora Campbell
Actress (faraway hill, date with judy) dies at 67
Nov. 7 Gene Tunney
Legendary American professional boxer who was World Heavyweight Champion in the 1920s, known for defeating Jack Dempsey in two famous fights.
Nov. 7 Jivraj Narayan Mehta
Indian surgeon and politician, 6th chief minister of gujarat (b. 1887)
Nov. 7 Janet Flanner
American journalist and author
Nov. 8 Norman Rockwell
American illustrator known for his portraits depicting american life. norman was the son of a businessman, and his wife. he began drawing at a young age. he had already illustrated children's books by age 17. he was a freelancer and sold his first saturday evening post cover at 22. he would produce many more covers for the highly-read magazine. he …
Nov. 9 Joe Wong
Actor ken murray show, dies at 75
Nov. 9 Otto Siegl
Composer dies at 82
Nov. 12 Howard Swanson
Composer dies at 71
Nov. 15 Margaret Mead
A pioneering American cultural anthropologist who revolutionized understanding of human behavior across different societies. Her groundbreaking research in the South Pacific challenged Western assumptions about gender, sexuality, and cultural development. She was a prominent public intellectual who significantly influenced social sciences and popular understanding of anthropology.
Nov. 16 Claude Dauphin
French actor who appeared in over 130 films between 1930 and 1978, with Jean Nohain as his brother. He was married three times and had three children, ultimately passing away from intestinal obstruction.
Nov. 17 James J "Gene" Tunney
Champion heavyweight boxer (1926-8), died at 80
Nov. 18 Jim Jones
Infamous cult leader who orchestrated the largest mass murder-suicide in modern history, leading over 900 followers to their death in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978.
Nov. 18 Leo Ryan
American politician and educator known for his significant political career and tragic death in 1978.
Nov. 20 Vasilisk Gnedov
Russian soldier and poet (b. 1890)
Nov. 20 Giorgio de Chirico
Set designer and greek-italian painter (d. 1978).
Nov. 25 Elaine Esposito
American coma victim (born 1934).
Nov. 26 Frank Rosolino
Renowned jazz trombonist known for his innovative bebop style and significant contributions to the jazz music scene in the mid-20th century.
Nov. 26 Ford Beebe
American director and screenwriter (b. 1888)
Nov. 27 Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk was a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights activist and politician who became the first openly gay elected official in California. He served on San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and championed anti-discrimination laws before being tragically assassinated in 1978. His life and activism significantly advanced gay rights in the United States.
Nov. 27 George Moscone
George Moscone was a progressive American politician who served as mayor of San Francisco from 1975 until his tragic assassination in 1978. He was known for his liberal policies and support of civil rights, and was killed alongside Harvey Milk in a landmark political murder that shocked the nation.
Nov. 27 Susan Damante Shaw
Actress (wilderness family), dead at 58
Nov. 28 Antonio Vespucio Liberti
Argentinian businessman (b. 1902)
Nov. 28 Andre Morell
Actor (hounds of the baskervilles), died at 69