List of Famous people who died in 1978

Goffredo Alessandrini was an Italian scriptwriter and film director. He also acted, edited, and produced some films.

Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver William Hargreaves Leese, 3rd Baronet, was a senior British Army officer who saw distinguished active service during both the world wars. He is most notable during the Second World War for commanding XXX Corps in North Africa and Sicily, serving under General Sir Bernard Montgomery, before going on to command the Eighth Army in the Italian Campaign throughout most of 1944.

James Joseph "Gene" Tunney was an American professional boxer who competed from 1915 to 1928. He held the world heavyweight title from 1926 to 1928, and the American light heavyweight title twice between 1922 and 1923. A highly technical boxer, Tunney had a five-fight light heavyweight rivalry with Harry Greb in which he won three, drew once, and lost once, though many ringside reporters believed Greb should have won the decision in their 2nd meeting. He also knocked out Georges Carpentier and defeated Jack Dempsey twice; first in 1926 and again in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey remains one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight. He retired undefeated as a heavyweight after his victory over Tom Heeney in 1928, after which Tunney was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine.

Renzo Ricci was an Italian stage and film actor. He was also a noted theatre director. Ricci played the title role in Roberto Rossellini's 1961 film Garibaldi.

Randolph Algernon Ronald Stewart, 12th Earl of Galloway was the son of Randolph Stewart, 11th Earl of Galloway, styled Viscount Garlies from 1901 to 1920.

Richard Preston Graham-Vivian was a long-serving English officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. He was the younger son of Sir Richard James Graham, 4th Baronet, and Lady Mabel Cynthia Duncombe.

Niní Gordini Cervi (1907–1988) was an Italian actress. She was married to the actor Gino Cervi. She worked in films, radio and on the stage.

Samuel Houston Johnson was an American businessman. He was the younger brother of President Lyndon B. Johnson.