Famous people and celebrities who died in 2017

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2017. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.

Jan. 6 Om Puri
Critically acclaimed Indian actor who was renowned for his powerful performances in both Bollywood and international cinema, known for his versatility and depth in character roles.
Jan. 23 Gorden Kaye
English actor known for his work in comedy and television, particularly famous for his role in the sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!
Jan. 25 John Hurt
Acclaimed British actor known for transformative roles in 'The Naked Civil Servant', 'The Elephant Man', and 'Alien'. He was a versatile performer who earned an Oscar nomination and significantly impacted cinema and television.
Jan. 26 Mike Connors
Mike Connors was an American actor best known for starring in the popular TV series 'Mannix'. He was renowned for performing his own stunts, often sustaining injuries during filming.
Jan. 27 Emmanuelle Riva
Renowned French actress known for her powerful performances in cinema, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'Amour' (2012). She was a significant figure in French New Wave cinema and international film.
Feb. 7 Richard Hatch
Richard Hatch was the first winner of the reality TV show Survivor, famously winning the inaugural season in 2000 by using strategic gameplay and manipulative social tactics. He became a pivotal figure in reality television history and significantly influenced the genre's future development.
Feb. 25 Bill Paxton
Renowned American actor and filmmaker known for roles in 'Titanic', 'Aliens', and 'Twister', who directed and starred in numerous films before his untimely death in 2017.
March 6 Robert Osborne
Robert Osborne was a renowned film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), known for his extensive knowledge of cinema history and charismatic presentation style.
April 6 Don Rickles
Don Rickles was a legendary American comedian renowned for his sharp, insult-based comedy style, who became an iconic figure in stand-up comedy and entertainment.
April 12 Charlie Murphy
Charlie Murphy was an American comedian and actor known for his work on Chappelle's Show and his hilarious comedy routines.
April 15 Clifton James
American character actor known for his distinctive roles in films, particularly in James Bond movies where he played Sheriff J.W. Pepper.
April 27 Vinod Khanna
Prominent Bollywood actor who was a major star in the 1970s and 1980s, known for his versatile acting and charismatic screen presence. He later transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament.
May 18 Chris Cornell
Legendary rock musician, lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, known for his powerful vocal range and significant contribution to the grunge and alternative rock movement.
May 23 Roger Moore
Roger Moore was a renowned British actor best known for playing James Bond in seven films and starring in the popular TV series 'The Saint'. He was a charismatic and iconic actor who defined the Bond character during the 1970s and early 1980s.
June 2 Peter Sallis
British actor best known for his role in the Wallace and Gromit animated series and the TV show Last of the Summer Wine.
July 26 June Foray
Legendary voice actress who was a pioneer in animation, famously voicing Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, and numerous Looney Tunes characters across multiple decades.
July 31 Jeanne Moreau
Iconic French actress and film director who was a leading figure of the French New Wave cinema. She appeared in over 49 films and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Lion d'Or and Legion d'Honneur. Moreau was renowned for her sophisticated and nuanced performances in both French and international cinema.
Aug. 8 Glen Campbell
Legendary country music singer and guitarist who was a prominent figure in the Nashville music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his crossover hits like 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and his television and film work. Campbell was also a member of the famous session musician group The Wrecking Crew.
Aug. 20 Jerry Lewis
Legendary American comedian, actor, and filmmaker famous for his comedic partnership with Dean Martin and his groundbreaking muscular dystrophy telethons. He was a pivotal figure in comedy and entertainment during the mid-20th century, known for his slapstick humor and philanthropic work.
Aug. 26 Tobe Hooper
Tobe Hooper was a renowned American film director, screenwriter, and producer best known for directing the groundbreaking horror film 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre'. He was a significant figure in the horror genre who influenced many subsequent filmmakers.
Sept. 1 Shelley Berman
Pioneering stand-up comedian and actor who significantly influenced comedy in the mid-20th century, known for his neurotic and introspective comedic style.
Oct. 2 Tom Petty
Tom Petty was an iconic American rock musician, lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, known for his influential rock hits and significant contribution to American rock music in the late 20th century.
Oct. 9 Jean Rochefort
Jean Rochefort was a renowned French actor with a distinguished career spanning several decades, known for his sophisticated comedic roles and memorable performances in critically acclaimed films like 'The Hairdresser's Husband' and 'Ridicule'.
Oct. 24 Fats Domino
Fats Domino was a pioneering rock and roll and rhythm and blues musician who significantly influenced American popular music. He was a key figure in the early development of rock and roll, known for his distinctive piano playing and hits like 'Ain't That a Shame' and 'Blueberry Hill'.
Oct. 24 Robert Guillaume
Robert Guillaume was a renowned African American actor and singer, best known for his Emmy Award-winning roles in television series 'Soap' and 'Benson'. He was a versatile performer who excelled in both television and musical theater.
Nov. 19 Della Reese
Renowned American actress, singer, and television star best known for her iconic role in the popular TV series 'Touched by an Angel'. She was a versatile performer who successfully crossed multiple entertainment domains, including music, acting, and gospel singing.
Nov. 21 David Cassidy
David Cassidy was an iconic American teen idol and pop star who rose to fame through the television series 'The Partridge Family' in the early 1970s. He was a successful musician who sold over 20 million records and became a cultural phenomenon among teenagers. His musical and acting career made him one of the most recognizable entertainment figures of his …
Nov. 30 Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors was a beloved American actor and singer famous for his comedic role as Gomer Pyle in 'The Andy Griffith Show' and its spin-off 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.', known for his distinctive voice and comedic talents.
Dec. 28 Rose Marie
Rose Marie was a renowned American entertainer who began her career as a child actress and became a popular singer, comedian, and television performer, best known for her role as Sally Rogers on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'.
Dec. 28 Sue Grafton
Renowned American mystery novelist who created the innovative 'Alphabet Series' of detective novels featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Her unique alphabetical mystery books became a landmark in contemporary crime fiction, selling over 7.5 million copies and translated into 24 languages.