List of Famous people who died in 1972

Leslie Poles Hartley was a British novelist and short story writer. Although his first fiction was published in 1924, his career was slow to take off. His best-known novels are the Eustace and Hilda trilogy (1944–47) and The Go-Between (1953). The latter was made into a film in 1971, as was his 1957 novel The Hireling in 1973. He was known for writing about social codes, moral responsibility and family relationships. In total, Hartley published 17 novels, 6 volumes of short stories and a book of criticism.

René Leibowitz was a Polish, later naturalised French, composer, conductor, music theorist and teacher. He was historically significant in promoting the music of the Second Viennese School in Paris after the Second World War, and teaching a new generation of serialist composers.

Friedrich Jürgen Baethgen was a German historian born in Greifswald. He specialized in medieval studies and in history of the papacy.

Wesley Ruggles was an American film director.

Emma Perry Carr was an American spectroscopist and chemical educator.

Karel Kaers was a Belgian professional cyclist with 30 wins.

Paul Samuel Fox was an American set decorator. He won three Academy Awards and was nominated for ten more in the category Best Art Direction.