Famous people and celebrities who died in June 1997

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in June 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

• June 1 Nikolai Tikhonov

  Soviet prime minister (1980-1985), dies at the age of 92

• June 2 Helen Jacobs

  Prominent American tennis player and naval commander who was a significant figure in women's sports during the early 20th century.

• June 2 Doc Cheatham

  Renowned American jazz trumpet player and bandleader, famous for his work with McKinney's Cotton Pickers and significant contributions to early jazz.

• June 4 Ronnie Lane

  Influential British rock musician, bassist and songwriter who was a key member of the bands Small Faces and Faces. Known for his distinctive musical style and contributions to the British rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s.

• June 5 J. Anthony Lukas

  American journalist and author (b. 1933)

• June 8 Karen Wetterhahn

  American chemist and academic (b. 1948)

• June 9 Stanley Knowles

  American-canadian politician and academic (d. 1997).

• June 9 Reid Shelton

  Actor (daddy warbucks - annie), suffers a stroke at 71

• June 12 Bulat Okudzhava

  Renowned Russian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist who was a significant figure in the Soviet bardic tradition, known for his poetic and musical contributions.

• June 13 Nguyen Manh Tuong

  Vietnamese lawyer and academic (b. 1909)

• June 14 Richard Jaeckel

  American character actor known for notable roles in war films like '3:10 to Yuma' and 'Sands of Iwo Jima', who appeared in over 100 films during his career.

• June 14 Henry C Gordon

  Usaf/ astronaut (dynasoar) dies at 71

• June 18 Lev Kopelev

  Ukrainian-German writer, literary scholar, and human rights activist who was a prominent dissident during the Soviet era. He was a witness to and critic of Stalinist atrocities, and later became a peace advocate and cultural bridge between Russia and Germany.

• June 19 Olga Georges-Picot

  French actress and model from a diplomatic family, who appeared in 18 films and had a notable relationship with Jean Sobiesky from 1966 to 1970.

• June 21 Shintaro Katsu

  Renowned Japanese actor, singer, director, and producer who was a significant figure in Japanese entertainment from the mid-20th century.

• June 21 Fidel Velázquez Sánchez

  Mexican trade union leader (b. 1900)

• June 21 Art Prysock

  Jazz musician dies at 68

• June 22 Gerard Pelletier

  Canadian politician, journalist, and diplomat (born 1919).

• June 22 Ted Gardestad

  Swedish singer (born 1956)

• June 23 Betty Shabazz

  Prominent civil rights activist and educator, wife of Malcolm X, who dedicated her life to continuing her husband's legacy of social justice and empowerment.

• June 23 "Wino" Willie Forkner

  At 77, biker (wild one) dies from a heart attack

• June 24 Brian Keith

  Versatile American actor known for his roles in over 80 films across multiple genres, most famously as Uncle Bill in the TV series 'Family Affair' (1966-1971). He also starred in 'The Brian Keith Show', 'Hardcastle and McCormick', and had a diverse acting career spanning dramas, westerns, and comedies.

• June 24 Don Hutson

  Legendary American football player and coach who revolutionized the wide receiver position in the NFL during the 1930s and 1940s. He played for the Green Bay Packers and is considered one of the most innovative players in early professional football history.

• June 25 Jacques Cousteau

  Renowned French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author, and researcher who co-developed the Aqua-Lung.

• June 25 William Lyle Woratzeck

  Execution of a murderer in ariz at 51

• June 30 Larry O'Dea

  Australian professional wrestler (born 1944).