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. 2 Wallace Harrison
American architect, co-founded harrison & abramovitz (b. 1895)
- Dec. 2 Hershy Kay
Composer dies at 62
- Dec. 2 Nicolaas "Cola" Debrot
Governor of dutch antilles (1962-1970), dies aged 79.
- Dec. 2 Wallace K[irkman] Harrison
At 86 years old, a us architect (united nations) dies.
- Dec. 3 Joel Rinne
Finnish actor (b. 1897)
- Dec. 3 Walter Knott
Knott's berry farm was founded by an american businessman and farmer. it was established in 1981.
- Dec. 4 Jeanne Block
American psychologist (b. 1923)
- Dec. 9 Daniel Faulkner
American police officer (born in 1955)
- Dec. 9 Tonny Til
Rocker dies at 56
- Dec. 10 John Kieran
Television host (information please) dies at 89
- Dec. 13 Cornelius Cardew
Influential British composer known for his groundbreaking work in avant-garde and experimental music, significantly contributing to the post-war musical landscape.
- 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 to chemical physics.
- Dec. 26 Suat Hayri Ürgüplü
Turkish politician, prime minister of turkey (b. 1903)
- 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. 27 Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagy carmichael was an american composer known for writing and performing popular songs such as 'stardust' and 'georgia on my mind'.
- Dec. 28 Allan Dwan
Canadian-american director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1885)
- 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. 29 Guido Provoost
At 41, a belgian historian dies
- Dec. 30 Alfie Anido
Filipino actor (born 1959)
- Dec. 31 Frantisek Chaun
Composer dies at the age of 60