Famous people and celebrities who died in August 1997

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in August 1997. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

• Aug. 1 Sviatoslav Richter

  Legendary Ukrainian classical pianist and one of the most renowned musicians of the 20th century, known for his extraordinary interpretations of classical repertoire.

• Aug. 2 William Burroughs

  Influential Beat Generation writer known for his experimental novel 'Naked Lunch', which challenged literary conventions and explored themes of addiction, sexuality, and social control. A key figure in postmodern literature who significantly influenced 20th-century counterculture.

• Aug. 2 Fela Kuti

  Fela Kuti was a groundbreaking Nigerian musician, political activist, and pioneer of the Afrobeat genre who challenged political oppression through his music and activism.

• Aug. 2 Fela Anikulapo Kuti

  Nigerian multi-instrumentalist (born 1938)

• Aug. 3 Pietro Rizzuto

  Italian-canadian lawyer and politician (b. 1934)

• Aug. 4 Jeanne Calment

  French longevity champion who turned 122 in 1997. although she is almost deaf and blind, her mind and wit are sharp. she is never afraid to laugh at herself and has recently created her own website after learning how to use a computer. she recorded a rap cd for her birthday last year, which was released to great acclaim.

• Aug. 6 Shin Ki-ha

  South korean lawyer and politician (b. 1941)

• Aug. 8 Duncan Swift

  Jazz pianist dies at 74

• Aug. 10 Conlon Nancarrow

  Innovative American-Mexican composer and pianist known for his experimental music and complex rhythmic studies, particularly his groundbreaking player piano compositions.

• Aug. 10 Jean-Claude Lauzon

  Canadian film director and screenwriter known for his distinctive Quebec cinema, particularly the films 'Léolo' and 'Night Zoo'.

• Aug. 12 Luther Allison

  Luther Allison was an influential blues rock guitarist known for his powerful performances and album 'Bad News Is Coming'.

• Aug. 15 Ida Gerhardt

  Renowned Dutch post-symbolist poet and respected translator who specialized in translating Latin and Hebrew poetry. Her work significantly contributed to the Dutch literary landscape of the 20th century.

• Aug. 16 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

  Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a legendary Pakistani Qawwali singer who revolutionized Sufi devotional music globally. He was renowned for his extraordinary vocal range and ability to blend traditional Islamic musical forms with contemporary styles. His international recognition made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

• Aug. 20 Leon Dion

  French-canadian political scientist (born in 1922)

• Aug. 21 Misael Pastrana Borrero

  President of colombia (1970-74)

• Aug. 21 Yuri Nikulin

  Russian actor and clown (born in 1921)

• Aug. 22 Mary Louise Smith

  At 82, chairman (rep) dies

• Aug. 23 John Kendrew

  Renowned British biochemist who pioneered the understanding of protein structure by revealing the three-dimensional structure of myoglobin. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962, sharing the honor with Max Ferdinand Perutz for groundbreaking work in protein crystallography.

• Aug. 23 John Cowdery Kendrew

  Nobel Prize laureate for their studies of the structures of globular proteins

• Aug. 23 Eric Gairy

  1. prime minister of grenada, grenadaan politician

• Aug. 24 Luigi Villoresi

  Legendary Italian racing driver who was a prominent figure in motorsports during the 1940s and 1950s. He competed in Formula One and was known for his skill and passion for racing.

• Aug. 25 Robert Pinget

  French novelist and playwright, a significant figure in the nouveau roman literary movement, known for experimental and innovative writing styles.

• Aug. 25 Clodomiro Almeyda Medina

  Chilean external minister (1970-73)

• Aug. 27 Brandon Tartikoff

  Legendary television executive who transformed NBC's programming in the 1980s, helping launch iconic shows like 'Cheers', 'Miami Vice', and 'The Cosby Show'.

• Aug. 27 Jeep Swenson

  Actor, batman & robin, dies at 40 from heart failure

• Aug. 30 Bharat Gopy

  Prominent Malayalam cinema actor who significantly contributed to Indian film art through critically acclaimed performances across multiple decades.

• Aug. 31 Diana Princess of Wales

  Diana was a prominent member of the British Royal Family, known for her humanitarian work, compassion, and global influence. She was widely loved for her charity efforts and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

• Aug. 31 Dodi Fayed

  Egyptian-born film producer and romantic partner of Princess Diana, tragically killed in a fatal car crash in Paris alongside her. Son of billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed, he produced notable films like 'Chariots of Fire' which won an Oscar.

• Aug. 31 Diana Spencer

  At 36, princess of england dies in a paris car accident