List of Famous people who died at 78

Jean-Louis Curtis, pseudonym of Albert Laffitte, was a French novelist best known for his second novel The Forests of the Night, which won France's highest literary award the Prix Goncourt in 1947. He is the author of over 30 novels.

Josseline Gaël was a French film actress who specialised in comedy roles. She is best remembered today, for her portrayal of Cosette in the 1934 film adaptation of Les Miserables. Her daughter with Jules Berry, Michèle, became a renowned art dealer.

Albert Bates Lord was a professor of Slavic and comparative literature at Harvard University who, after the death of Milman Parry, carried on that scholar's research into epic literature.

Hallgeir Brenden was a Norwegian cross-country skier and steeplechase runner. He competed in various skiing events at the 1952, 1956 and 1960 WInter Olympics and won two individual gold medals in 1952 and 1956 and two silver medals in the 4 × 10 km relay in 1952 and 1960. He also won three events at the Holmenkollen ski festival: 18 km in 1952 and 15 km in 1956 and 1963. He received the Egebergs Ærespris in 1952 and the Holmenkollen medal in 1955.