Famous people and celebrities who died in September 1997

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

• Sept. 2 Viktor Frankl

  Viktor Frankl was a renowned Austrian psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor who founded logotherapy, a therapeutic approach focused on finding meaning in life. His seminal book 'Man's Search for Meaning' is a powerful testament to human resilience, based on his experiences in concentration camps. He was a pivotal figure in existential psychology and humanistic therapy.

• Sept. 2 Rudolf Bing

  Renowned Austrian-born British opera manager who significantly influenced classical music administration in the mid-20th century. He served as the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera in New York and played a crucial role in developing international opera performances.

• Sept. 4 Aldo Rossi

  Renowned Italian architect known for significant architectural works like the Bonnefanten Museum in Netherlands and Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa. A key figure in postmodern architecture with international recognition.

• Sept. 4 Belle Stewart

  Belle Stewart was a singer who lived a long life, passing away at 91 years old.

• Sept. 4 Dharamvir Bharati

  Indian author, poet, and playwright (b. 1926)

• Sept. 5 Georg Solti

  Renowned Hungarian-British orchestral conductor and music director, widely considered one of the greatest classical conductors of the 20th century, who led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and won multiple Grammy Awards.

• Sept. 5 Mother Teresa

  Albanian-born Roman Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor in Calcutta, India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and was globally recognized for her humanitarian work. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her compassionate service to humanity.

• Sept. 5 Leon Edel

  Renowned American literary critic and biographer, best known for his comprehensive five-volume biography of Henry James.

• Sept. 6 P. H. Newby

  P. H. Newby was a notable English novelist and broadcaster who won the first Booker Prize in 1969 for his novel 'Something to Answer For'. He was a significant figure in mid-20th century British literature.

• Sept. 6 Philippe Rossillon

  Administrator dies at 66

• Sept. 7 Mobutu Sese Seko

  Mobutu Sese Seko was the long-standing president of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), who ruled from 1965 to 1997 and became infamous for his kleptocratic regime.

• Sept. 7 Derek Taylor

  Legendary Beatles publicist who played a crucial role in managing the band's public image during their peak years.

• Sept. 9 Richie Ashburn

  Hall of Fame baseball player who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, known for his exceptional batting skills and defensive prowess in center field.

• Sept. 9 John Hackett

  John Hackett was a prominent Australian-English general and academic who made significant contributions to military strategy and education during the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 10 Burgess Meredith

  Renowned American actor famous for iconic roles in Batman as the Penguin and as Mickey in Rocky, a versatile performer with a long and distinguished career in film and television.

• Sept. 12 Judith Merril

  American-canadian science fiction writer, editor and political activist (b. 1923)

• Sept. 13 Georges Guétary

  Georges Guétary was a renowned French-Egyptian entertainer who achieved significant success as a singer, dancer, and actor during the mid-20th century, particularly popular in French cinema and music.

• Sept. 17 Red Skelton

  Legendary American comedian known for his iconic TV show from 1951-1971, featuring memorable characters like Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddie the Freeloader. He won an Emmy Award for Best Comedian in 1951 and was famous for his gentle humor and trademark red hair.

• Sept. 18 Jimmy Witherspoon

  Jimmy Witherspoon was a renowned blues singer who significantly influenced the jump blues and rhythm and blues genres with his distinctive smooth and soulful vocal style during the mid-20th century.

• Sept. 22 Shoichi Yokoi

  Japanese soldier who famously hid in Guam's jungles for 28 years after World War II, becoming a symbol of extraordinary wartime dedication and survival.

• Sept. 24 Jonathon Silver

  Entrepreneur / arts patron, dies at 47

• Sept. 25 Jean Françaix

  Jean Françaix was a renowned French neoclassical composer, pianist, and orchestrator celebrated for his prolific and vibrant musical compositions.

• Sept. 25 Sayed Mutawli ad Imam

  At 66, scholar/broadcaster dies

• Sept. 29 Roy Lichtenstein

  Roy Lichtenstein was a pioneering American pop artist who revolutionized modern art through his iconic comic book-style paintings. His work challenged traditional art forms by transforming commercial imagery into high art. He became a key figure in the Pop Art movement alongside Andy Warhol.

• Sept. 29 Sven-Eric Johanson

  Swedish composer and organist (b. 1919)