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. 2 Desi Arnaz

  Cuban-American television pioneer, musician, and actor who co-created 'I Love Lucy' and revolutionized television production through Desilu Productions. He was a groundbreaking entertainer who successfully integrated Latin talent into mainstream American entertainment.

• Dec. 2 John Curtis Gowan

  American psychologist (born 1912).

• Dec. 2 Lee Dorsey R&B singer

  At the age of 59, she dies.

• 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 France during the 1980s.

• Dec. 10 Susan Cabot-Roman

  Actress (sorority girl carnival rock).

• Dec. 11 Paul Keenan

  Actor (summer fantasy), dead at 30

• Dec. 13 Smita Patil

  Iconic Indian actress who significantly contributed to parallel cinema and was known for her powerful, socially conscious performances in both Hindi and Marathi films before her untimely death at 31.

• 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 and SNCC to empower grassroots activism.

• Dec. 15 Serge Lifar

  Renowned Russian-French ballet dancer and choreographer who significantly influenced 20th-century dance. He was a principal dancer and choreographer for the Paris Opera Ballet, known for his innovative artistic contributions.

• Dec. 17 Ron Kass

  Record president (mgm) dies at 52 from cancer

• Dec. 18 Mamo Clark

  Actor (1 million bc robinson crusoe from clipper island).

• 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. 22 David Penhaligon

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

• Dec. 22 Celius Dougherty

  Composer dies at 84

• Dec. 24 Gardner Fox

  Gardner Fox was a legendary comic book writer who significantly shaped the DC Comics universe, creating foundational superhero teams like the Justice Society of America and contributing to the Golden Age of comics.

• Dec. 24 Gardner F[rancis] Fox

  Author (kothar barbarian swordsman), reaches 75

• Dec. 26 Elsa Lanchester

  Renowned British actress famous for her iconic role as the Bride of Frankenstein in the classic 1935 horror film. She was married to actor Charles Laughton and had a significant career in film and theater.

• 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 'Solaris' and 'Stalker'.

• Dec. 28 John MacDonald

  Renowned American mystery novelist famous for creating Travis McGee, a unique detective character. He wrote over 77 books and 500 stories, winning prestigious awards like the Edgar Grand Master Award in 1972.

• Dec. 29 Harold Macmillan

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

• Dec. 29 John Antill

  Composer dies at 82