Famous people and celebrities who died in January 2017

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in January 2017. 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

• Jan. 1 Tony Atkinson

  Renowned English economist and academic who made significant contributions to welfare economics and social policy research.

• Jan. 2 Jean Vuarnet

  Olympic gold medal-winning ski champion and businessman who founded the iconic Vuarnet sunglasses brand.

• Jan. 2 John Berger

  Influential British art critic, novelist, painter, and art theorist known for his groundbreaking work in art criticism and cultural analysis.

• Jan. 4 Georges Prêtre

  Renowned French orchestral and opera conductor who was a significant figure in classical music during the 20th century. He conducted major orchestras worldwide and was known for his interpretations of French composers.

• 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. 7 Mario Soares

  Prominent Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister and President of Portugal, playing a crucial role in Portugal's transition to democracy after the Carnation Revolution.

• Jan. 7 Nat Hentoff

  Renowned American journalist, author, and cultural critic known for his passionate advocacy of civil liberties and profound writings on jazz music.

• Jan. 8 Nicolai Gedda

  Renowned Swedish opera tenor with an extraordinary international career, known for his exceptional vocal technique and performances in major opera houses worldwide.

• Jan. 8 Peter Sarstedt

  Acclaimed Indian-British singer-songwriter famous for his folk music and hit song 'Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)'.

• Jan. 9 Zygmunt Bauman

  Zygmunt Bauman was a renowned Polish sociologist and philosopher who made significant contributions to understanding the complex relationship between modernity and social phenomena like the Holocaust. His critical theories on liquid modernity and social complexity have profoundly influenced contemporary social thought.

• Jan. 10 Clare Hollingworth

  Clare Hollingworth was a pioneering British war correspondent who broke the news of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, effectively signaling the start of World War II. She was renowned for her courage and exceptional reporting skills during some of the most challenging conflicts of the 20th century, including World War II and the Vietnam War.

• Jan. 12 William Peter Blatty

  Acclaimed American author and screenwriter best known for 'The Exorcist', a groundbreaking novel and film that won an Oscar for Best Screenplay Adaptation.

• Jan. 12 Graham Taylor

  Prominent English football manager who led Watford FC to significant success in the 1980s and later managed the England national team.

• Jan. 13 Anthony Armstrong-Jones

  Lord Snowdon was a renowned British photographer famous for his marriage to Princess Margaret. He was a prominent royal photographer who captured significant moments in British royal history.

• Jan. 14 Zhou Youguang

  Zhou Youguang was a renowned Chinese linguist and academic, best known as the 'father of Pinyin' who developed the romanization system for Standard Chinese.

• Jan. 15 Jimmy Snuka

  Legendary professional wrestler of Fijian origin who was a major star in the World Wrestling Federation (WWE) during the 1980s, known for his high-flying wrestling style.

• Jan. 16 Gene Cernan

  NASA astronaut known as the 'Last Man on the Moon', who commanded the Apollo 17 mission and was a pioneering space explorer who flew three space missions.

• Jan. 18 Peter Abrahams

  Renowned South African-Jamaican writer known for his significant contributions to literature exploring racial and social themes across different continents.

• Jan. 18 Rachael Heyhoe Flint

  Pioneering English cricketer, businesswoman, and philanthropist who significantly advanced women's cricket. She was a key figure in promoting women's sports and was made a life peer in the House of Lords.

• Jan. 18 Roberta Peters

  Renowned soprano who performed at the Metropolitan Opera for over 35 years, establishing herself as a significant figure in American classical music.

• Jan. 19 Miguel Ferrer

  American actor known for tough-guy roles in TV series like 'T.J. Hooker', 'Hill Street Blues', and the movie 'RoboCop'. He was the son of famous singer Rosemary Clooney and part of a notable entertainment family.

• 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. 23 Bobby Freeman

  American musician known for his rock and roll hits, particularly the song 'Do You Want to Dance?', active from the late 1950s to early 1960s.

• Jan. 24 Butch Trucks

  Renowned drummer of the legendary Southern rock band The Allman Brothers Band, known for his powerful and influential drumming style that helped define the band's signature sound.

• 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. 25 Mary Tyler Moore

  Iconic American actress and producer known for her groundbreaking television work. She was a significant figure in television comedy during the 1970s and starred in her own highly successful sitcom.

• 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. 26 Barbara Hale

  Barbara Hale was an acclaimed American actress best known for her iconic role as Della Street in the long-running television series Perry Mason, which aired from 1957 to 1966. She was a talented performer who won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of the loyal legal secretary. Her career spanned several decades, making her a notable figure in classic television.

• Jan. 26 Tam Dalyell

  Prominent Scottish politician and academic known for his significant contributions to British political discourse and parliamentary debates.

• 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.