List of Famous people who died in 1986

Elmer Plummer was an American water colour painter, who was active at Warner Bros. Cartoons and the Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Abdel-Kader Zaaf was a French cyclist. He participated four times in the Tour de France, for the first time in 1948, and then in 1950, 1951 and for the last time in 1952. He finished in last place in the 1951 Tour de France.

Frank Brandon Nelson was an American comedic actor best known for playing put-upon foils on radio and television, and especially for his "EEE-Yeeeeeeeeesssss?" catchphrase.

Sandro Puppo was an Italian football (soccer) player and manager born in Piacenza, who played as a midfielder.

Theodore Shaw Wilson was an American jazz pianist. Described by critic Scott Yanow as "the definitive swing pianist", Wilson had a sophisticated, elegant style. His work was featured on the records of many of the biggest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. With Goodman, he was one of the first black musicians to appear prominently with white musicians. In addition to his extensive work as a sideman, Wilson also led his own groups and recording sessions from the late 1920s to the 1980s.

Cathal Seán Coughlan was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in a 1983 by-election caused by the death of his brother, Clement Coughlan. His tenure as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Donegal South-West was short as he died suddenly in June 1986. No by-election was held to fill the vacancy, but his daughter, Mary Coughlan, was elected for the constituency at the 1987 general election.

René de la Croix de Castries was a French historian and a member of the House of Castries. He was the sixteenth member elected to occupy seat 2 of the Académie française in 1972.

François Neuville was a Belgian professional road bicycle racer. In 1938, Neuville won one stage of the 1938 Tour de France.

Gilberte Géniat was a French film actress.