Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2017

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

Oct. 1 Dave Strader
American sportscaster[67] (b. 1955)
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. 2 Paul Otellini
Influential technology executive who served as CEO of Intel Corporation, driving significant technological innovations during his tenure.
Oct. 2 Evangelina Elizondo
Prominent Mexican actress who had a significant career in film and television, known for her versatile roles and contributions to Latin American cinema.
Oct. 5 Eberhard van der Laan
Dutch politician, mayor of amsterdam (b. 1955)
Oct. 6 Ralphie May
Renowned stand-up comedian known for his bold, self-deprecating humor and appearances on various TV shows and comedy specials. Tragically passed away in 2017.
Oct. 6 David Marks
Original member of the Beach Boys, a pioneering rock band that significantly influenced American popular music in the 1960s.
Oct. 6 Connie Hawkins
Legendary basketball player who overcame significant legal challenges and became an NBA star, known for his extraordinary skills and influential role in basketball history.
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. 11 Clifford Husbands
Barbadian politician (b. 1926)
Oct. 12 Margarita D'Amico
Venezuelan journalist (b. 1938)
Oct. 15 Chinggoy Alonzo
Filipino theater, movie & television actor (b. 1950)
Oct. 16 Roy Dotrice
Actor from the Channel Islands, known for his theatrical and screen performances, particularly in fantasy and dramatic roles.
Oct. 16 Daphne Caruana Galizia
Courageous Maltese investigative journalist assassinated in 2017, renowned for her fearless reporting on corruption and political misconduct.
Oct. 16 Sean Hughes
British-born irish stand-up comedian (b. 1965)
Oct. 17 Gord Downie
Canadian musician (b. 1964)
Oct. 18 Marino Perani
Italian football player and manager (b. 1939)
Oct. 19 Umberto Lenzi
Italian film director (b. 1931)
Oct. 22 George Young
Australian musician, songwriter and record producer (b. 1946)
Oct. 23 Walter Lassally
German cinematographer (b. 1926)
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.
Oct. 24 Girija Devi
Renowned Indian classical singer who was a master of the Thumri genre and played a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional Hindustani classical music.
Oct. 26 Ali Ashraf Darvishian
Iranian novelist, short story writer and academic. (b. 1941)
Oct. 30 Kim Joo-hyuk
South korean actor (b. 1972)