List of Famous people who died at 78

Robert Denard was a French soldier of fortune and mercenary. Sometimes known under the aliases Gilbert Bourgeaud and Saïd Mustapha Mhadjou, he was known for having performed various jobs in support of Françafrique—France's sphere of influence in its former colonies in Africa—for Jacques Foccart, co-ordinator of President Charles de Gaulle's African policy.

Paul Darrow was an English actor. He became best known for playing Kerr Avon in the BBC science fiction television series Blake's 7 between 1978 and 1981. His many television roles included two appearances in another BBC science fiction series, Doctor Who, playing Captain Hawkins in Doctor Who and the Silurians (1970) and Tekker in Timelash (1985). He was also the voice of "Jack" on independent radio stations JACKfm and Union JACK, whose lines included dry-witted comments pertaining to current events.

Henriette "Henny" von Schirach was a German writer and wife to Baldur von Schirach, former Reichsjugendführer and Gauleiter in Vienna. Henriette von Schirach is one of the few people known to have challenged Hitler personally about the persecution of Jews.

James Alfred Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a British veterinary surgeon and writer.

Anthony Mabron Burton was an American actor, and boxer. He was known for his role as Tony "Duke" Evers in the Rocky films.

Shinji Maki was a Japanese mandan comedian who played the ukulele.

Aleksei Vasilyevich Petrenko was a Soviet and Russian film and stage actor. He played Grigori Rasputin in the Elem Klimov's historical drama Agony and Joseph Stalin in the BBC Two documentary World War II: Behind Closed Doors.

Bernard Terry Casey was an American actor, poet, and professional football player.

Robert C. Christie Hunter was an American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. Born near San Luis Obispo, California, Hunter spent some time in his childhood in foster homes, as a result of his father's abandoning his family, and took refuge in reading and writing. He attended the University of Connecticut for a year before returning to Palo Alto, where he became friends with Jerry Garcia. Garcia and Hunter began a collaboration that lasted through the remainder of Garcia's life.

Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti was an American professional football player who was a middle linebacker in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played for the Boston Patriots and Miami Dolphins, winning two Super Bowls with the Dolphins. Buoniconti was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.