List of Famous people who died in 1981

Ingmar Kristian Liljefors was a Swedish composer, pianist, writer on music, and music educator. Born in Gothenburg, Liljefors was the son of composer and conductor Ruben Liljefors. His own son, Mats Liljefors, is a successful conductor.

Virginia Kellogg was an American film writer whose stories were adapted into the screenplays for White Heat (1949) and Caged (1950). Kellogg was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Story for White Heat (1949) at the 22nd Academy Awards held in 1950. She was nominated for the same award for Caged (1950) the following year.

George Albert "Georgie" Jessel was an American, actor, singer, songwriter, film producer, and illustrated song "model." He was famous in his lifetime as a multitalented comedic entertainer, achieving a level of recognition that transcended his limited roles in movies. He was widely known by his nickname, the "Toastmaster General of the United States," for his frequent role as the master of ceremonies at political and entertainment gatherings. Jessel originated the title role in the stage production of The Jazz Singer.

Jacques Rémy (1911–1981) was the pen name of Rémy Assayas or Raymond Assayas a Turkish-born Jewish French screenwriter.

Jule Gregory Charney was an American meteorologist who played an important role in developing numerical weather prediction and increasing understanding of the general circulation of the atmosphere by devising a series of increasingly sophisticated mathematical models of the atmosphere. His work was the driving force behind many national and international weather initiatives and programs.

Gilbert Grandval was a French Resistance activist who went on to become the military governor of the Saar Protectorate in 1945. He remained in post for a decade, although the nature of the job evolved and there were changes of title in 1948 and again in 1952 when he became, formally, the French ambassador to the Saarland. Subsequently, he became a government minister during the early years of the Fifth Republic.

Olin Earl "Tiger" Teague was a World War II veteran and congressional representative for Texas's 6th congressional district for 32 years, from 1946 to 1978. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.