Discover the most famous people died who died in the year 2017. This list includes people like Charles Manson, Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, Bill Paxton, Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon and many more. This list of celebrities is loosely sorted by popularity. People featured on this list, include political leaders, journalists, philosophers and directors who died in 2017. This list includes people from United States, United Kingdom, India & France and many more countries.
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1
Lil Peep(A Leading Figure of the Mid–late 2010s Emo Rap Scene)
Birthdate: November 1, 1996
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: November 15
Hailed as the leading figure of the emo rap scene of the mid-late 2010s, Lil Peep went on to inspire many youth subcultures. Peep achieved tremendous success in less than three years' time. In his personal life though, he struggled with mental health conditions. He died at the age of 21 due to an accidental overdose of drugs.
Birthdate: March 20, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Died: July 20
Singer, songwriter, and musician Chester Bennington rose to prominence as the lead vocalist for the band, Linkin Park. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock vocalists of his generation. He possessed a three-octave tenor vocal range that showed tremendous durability for the entirety of his career. He died of suicide in 2017.
Birthdate: October 20, 1950
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Gainesville, Florida, United States
Died: October 2
A rock icon and creator of sprit-lifting songs, Thomas Earl Petty was one of the defining musicians of the 1970s and the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Writing songs and creating music up till his last breath, Petty is noted for positivity and self- liberation themed songs, a rarity in rock music.
4
Mary Tyler Moore(Known for Her Role in TV Sitcoms ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show')
Birthdate: December 29, 1936
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Brooklyn Heights, New York, United States
Died: January 25
Actress and producer, Mary Tyler Moore, was well known for appearing in popular sitcoms in the 1960s and 1970s. She also appeared in a few movies and was nominated for an Academy Award. She advocated for animal rights and diabetes prevention and was the international chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
5
Chuck Berry(One of the Most Influential “Rock 'n' Roll” Performers in Music History)
Birthdate: October 18, 1926
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died: March 18
Chuck Berry was an American singer-songwriter. Referred to as the Father of Rock and Roll, Berry is credited with pioneering rock and roll music. He is also credited with influencing the attitude with which the rock music lifestyle is usually associated. Also revered for his guitaring skills, Berry is often included in lists like the Greatest Artists of All Time.
6
Roger Moore(Famous for His Portrayal as the Fictional British Secret Agent 'James Bond' in Seven Films)
Birthdate: October 14, 1927
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Stockwell, London, England
Died: May 23
Widely regarded as one of the most popular actors to play the iconic secret agent James Bond in films, Roger Moore was more than just an actor. He was also well-known for his humanitarian work, so much so that he was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to charity.
7
Bill Paxton(Actor and Filmmaker Best Known for His TV Series 'Big Love')
Birthdate: May 17, 1955
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Died: February 25
Versatile actor, Bill Paxton is recognised for his work in the movies, Apollo 13, Twister and Titanic, as well as the television series, Big Love. Before these, he began his career as a set-dresser, learnt acting under Stella Adler, did various minor roles and finally bagged films like The Terminator and Alien. His work as a director are Frailty and Fish Heads.
Birthdate: April 22, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Billstown, Arkansas, United States
Died: August 8
Glen Campbell was an American TV host, actor, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. Regarded as one of the most successful musicians ever, Campbell sold more than 45 million records, which included a double-platinum album, four platinum albums, and 12 gold albums, in a career spanning 50 years. In 2014, he became the subject of a documentary titled Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me.
9
Jerry Lewis(Comedian, Actor and One of the Most Significant American Cultural Figures of All Time)
Birthdate: March 16, 1926
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: August 20
One half of the popular American comedy duo Martin & Lewis, Jerry Lewis was nicknamed The King of Comedy for his comedic skills. Also a filmmaker, Jerry Lewis helped develop video assist and went on to popularize the system, which is widely used today. Also a humanitarian, Lewis worked closely with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raising awareness about muscular dystrophy.
10
Chris Cornell(Lead vocalist of the Rock Bands 'Soundgarden' & 'Audioslave')
Birthdate: July 20, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, United States
Died: May 18
Singer, songwriter, and musician Chris Cornell rose to fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. One of the key figures of the 1990s grunge movement, he also had a successful solo career. Unfortunately, he suffered from depression and died of suicide at the peak of his career.
11
Don Rickles(Stand-up Comedian Who Was Known for His Insult Comedy)
Birthdate: May 8, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States
Died: April 6
Don Rickles was an American actor, author, and stand-up comedian. Nicknamed The Merchant of Venom, Don Rickles specialized in insult comedy. Apart from appearing in several talk and variety shows as a guest, Rickles had his own sitcom titled The Don Rickles Show. After his death, many celebrities including Tom Hanks, Martin Scorsese, and Robert De Niro paid their tributes.
12
Adam West(American Actor Who Portrayed 'Batman' in Several Movies and Television Shows)
Birthdate: September 19, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Died: June 9
Adam West was an actor best known for his portrayal of Batman in the 1960s live-action TV series of the same name. One of the first actors to play Batman, West is considered the most popular actor to play the iconic character. After his death, the Bat-Signal was projected on Los Angeles’ City Hall as a tribute to the actor.
Birthdate: November 5, 1943
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Sheridan, Illinois, United States
Died: July 27
Ten-time Obie Award-winning playwright, author, director, and actor Samuel Shepard had also won a Pulitzer Prize for the play Buried Child. He was also the drummer of the rock band The Holy Modal Rounders. Fans remember him for his Academy Award-nominated performance as Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff.
Birthdate: January 22, 1940
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, UK
Died: January 27
John Hurt is best remembered for his Academy Award-nominated performances in Midnight Express and The Elephant Man. His death scene in Alien is considered one of the most memorable in history. He lent his voice to The Lord of The Rings and appeared in the Harry Potter and Hellboy films.
15
Miguel Ferrer(Best Known for His Role as ‘Bob Morton’ in the Film ‘RoboCop’)
Birthdate: February 7, 1955
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
Died: January 19
Miguel Ferrer was an American actor who achieved popularity after portraying Bob Morton in the 1987 cyberpunk superhero film RoboCop. His popularity led him to be featured in a couple of music videos. After his death at the age of 61, Peter David named Spider-Man 2099's alter ego after Miguel Ferrer.
16
David Cassidy(Actor & Singer Best Known for His Role of ‘Keith Partridge’ in the Musical Sitcom, ‘The Partridge Family’')
Birthdate: April 12, 1950
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
Died: November 21
Actor-singer and teen idol David Cassidy soared to fame with his iconic role of Keith Partridge in the long-running musical sitcom The Partridge Family. Known for hits such as Cherish and Daydreamer, he was often mobbed by girls in his youth. He spent his later life struggling with alcoholism and dementia.
17
Charlie Murphy(Best Known as a Writer & Cast Member of the Sketch-Comedy Series 'Chappelle's Show')
Birthdate: July 12, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: April 12
Charlie Murphy, older brother of Eddie Murphy, is best remembered for his sketch-comedy series Chappelle's Show and for his performance as Vic in Black Jesus. He also voiced Big Kid on the children’s show Thugaboo. He also starred in movies such as CB4 and co-wrote Vampire in Brooklyn.
Birthdate: April 9, 1926
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Died: September 27
As the founder of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner changed the way people viewed nudity. Known for his enviable lifestyle, he resided in luxury mansions along with his Playboy Playmates. Also a well-known philanthropist, Hefner made significant donations to various causes. He also supported freedom of expression and sexual liberation.
19
Gregg Allman(Member of the Rock Band 'The Allman Brothers Band')
Birthdate: December 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Died: May 27
Gregg Allman was an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the rock band The Allman Brothers Band along with his brother Duane Allman. Dubbed the Southern rock pioneer, Allman was recognized for his distinctive, soulful voice; Rolling Stone magazine named him in its 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list.
20
Harry Dean Stanton(Actor, Musician and Singer Known for His Films: ‘Cool Hand Luke’, ‘Kelly's Heroes’ and ‘Dillinger’)
Birthdate: July 14, 1926
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: West Irvine, Kentucky, United States
Died: September 15
Harry Dean Stanton was an American musician, singer, and actor. A self-made man, Stanton established himself as an actor by playing supporting roles in popular films, such as The Godfather Part II and Alien. A lovable person, Harry Dean Stanton was celebrated by singer Deborah Harry and the music band Pop Will Eat Itself.
21
Erin Moran(Actress)
Birthdate: October 18, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Burbank, California, United States
Died: April 22
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Birthdate: February 26, 1928
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Died: October 24
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
Birthdate: June 20, 1928
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: July 15
Martin Landau is best known for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood and his Golden Globe-winning role in Tucker: The Man and His Dream. He had initially been a cartoonist for the Daily News. Fans also loved him in the series Mission: Impossible and Space:1999.
Birthdate: January 6, 1953
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Died: November 18
Malcolm Young was an Australian musician. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band AC/DC. He is also credited with popularizing the band and was described by many as the leader and the driving force of the band. Widely regarded as one of the best rhythm guitarists ever, Young was a leading exponent of rhythm guitar in rock music.
Birthdate: April 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: yehwa-dong, Seoul
Died: December 18
Kim Jong-hyun was a South Korean record producer, singer-songwriter, author, and radio host. Kim was the principal vocalist of the popular boy band Shinee before he committed suicide at the age of 27. In 2018, his family members established the Shiny Foundation in an attempt to help struggling young artists.
26
Barbara Hale(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Della Street’ in the TV Series ‘Perry Mason’)
Birthdate: April 18, 1922
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: DeKalb, Illinois, United States
Died: January 26
Barbara Hale was an American actress best remembered for playing Della Streetin the popular legal drama TV series, Perry Mason, for which she received an Emmy Award in 1959. In 2001, Hale was honored with a Golden Boot Award for her contributions to Western cinema.
27
Powers Boothe(Best Known for His Role in the TV Miniseries 'Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones')
Birthdate: June 1, 1948
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Snyder, Texas, United States
Died: May 14
Powers Boothe is best known for his Emmy-winning performance as real-life cult leader Jim Jones in Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones. He started as a Shakespearean actor and later played significant roles in Deadwood, Tombstone, 24, and Nashville. He has also voiced characters in video games.
28
Maryam Mirzakhani(First Iranian to Be Honored With the ‘Fields Medal’, the Most Prestigious Award in Mathematics)
Birthdate: May 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tehran, Iran
Died: July 14
Maryam Mirzakhani was an Iranian mathematician best remembered for her innovative methods and research involving different branches of mathematics like symplectic geometry and ergodic theory. On 13 August 2014, she became the first Iranian and only woman to date to be honored with the prestigious Fields Medal. Maryam Mirzakhani died of breast cancer when she was 40 years old.
29
Della Reese(Known for Her 1959 Hit Single 'Don't You Know?' and Her Role in the TV Series 'Touched by an Angel')
Birthdate: July 6, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Black Bottom, Detroit, United States
Died: November 19
Jazz and gospel singer and actor Della Reese, who was also an ordained minister, gained fame with tracks such as Don't You Know? and Some of her best-known films were Harlem Nights and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. She played Tess in the series Touched by an Angel.
30
John Heard(Known for His Films: ‘Heart Beat’, ‘Cutter's Way’, ‘Cat People’, ‘Beaches’ and ‘Deceived’)
Birthdate: March 7, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Died: July 21
John Heard is best known for his Emmy-nominated guest role of Detective Vin Makazian in The Sopranos. Audiences also loved him as Peter McCallister, the father of Macaulay Culkin’s character, in Home Alone and its sequel. A talented stage actor, he delivered an award-winning performance in G.R. Point.
Birthdate: June 3, 1929
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Died: March 21
Game show creator, producer, and host Chuck Barris began his career at NBC in New York City as a page. Brilliant and creative, he moved up the ranks in the entertainment industry and was soon producing music for TV shows. He then opened his own production company and went ahead to gain fame as a game show creator.
32
Robert Guillaume(Actor)
Birthdate: November 30, 1927
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Died: October 24
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
Birthdate: April 15, 1937
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: North Adams, Massachusetts, United States
Died: September 13
Frank Vincent was an American actor, author, and musician best known for appearing in many Martin Scorsese movies, such as Raging Bull, Casino, and Goodfellas. Known for his large frame, Frank Vincent was often cast to play the role of gangsters. In 1999, his service to the entertainment industry was honored with an Italian American Entertainer of the Year Award.
34
George A. Romero(Film Director Known for His Iconic Horror Films: ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and ‘Dawn of the Dead’)
Birthdate: February 4, 1940
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Died: July 16
Legendary horror filmmaker George A. Romero is best known for his Night of the Living Dead series and for popularizing the zombie film genre. He also gained fame for his collaborations with horror novelist Stephen King, the most notable of them being the film version of King’s novel The Dark Half.
35
Glenne Headly(Best Known for Her Roles in the Films: ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, ‘Dick Tracy’ and ‘Mr. Holland's Opus’)
Birthdate: March 13, 1955
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New London, Connecticut, States
Died: June 8
Glenne Headly is best remembered for her Emmy-nominated roles in the TV film Bastard Out of Carolina and the series Lonesome Dove. She also won a CFCA Award for the film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She had also delivered award-winning stage performances. She died midway while filming for Future Man.
36
Rose Marie(Actress)
Birthdate: August 15, 1923
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Died: December 28
37
John Hillerman(Best Known for His Role of 'Jonathan Quayle Higgins III' in the Series 'Magnum, P.I.')
Birthdate: December 20, 1932
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Denison, Texas, United States
Died: November 9
After studying journalism, John Hillerman spent some time working as of the Air Force and then spent 15 years as a minor stage actor. Starting his Hollywood journey with small supporting roles, he later soared to fame as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III in the crime drama series Magnum, P.I.
38
Jim Nabors(Actor)
Birthdate: June 12, 1930
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sylacauga, Alabama, United States
Died: November 30
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
39
Hal Moore(Former lieutenant colonel in command of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, at the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, during the American War in Vietnam)
Birthdate: February 13, 1922
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bardstown, Kentucky, United States
Died: February 10
40
Mike Connors(Actor)
Birthdate: August 15, 1925
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Fresno, California, United States
Died: January 26
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
Birthdate: February 22, 1928
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Edmonton
Died: August 18
Bruce Forsyth soared to fame with the show Sunday Night at the London Palladium and later hosted shows such as The Price Is Right and The Generation Game. He also co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing. Forsyth holds a Guinness record for being the longest-tenured male entertainer on TV.
42
Michael I of Romania(The Last King of Romania (1927 - 1930))
Birthdate: October 25, 1921
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Peleș Castle, Sinaia, Romania
Died: December 5
Michael I, the last King of Romania, ruled the country twice, of which the first-tenure was as a minor. During his second tenure, he removed Ion Antonescu’s government that aligned Romania with Nazi Germany. He declared alliance with Allies but was eventually forced to abdicate by Petru Groza’s government on December 30, 1947, as Romania officially became a People's Republic.
43
Al Jarreau(Musician)
Birthdate: March 12, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Died: February 12
44
Jake LaMotta(American Professional Boxer Who Was World Middleweight Champion Between 1949 and 1951)
Birthdate: July 10, 1922
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, United States
Died: September 19
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
45
Don Williams(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: May 27, 1939
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Floydada, Texas, United States
Died: September 8
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
46
Roy Halladay(Baseball Player)
Birthdate: May 14, 1977
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, USA
Died: November 7
Height: 6'6" (198 cm)
Birthdate: December 29, 1923
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
Died: May 22
Socialite/actor Dina Merrill was the only child of Post Cereals owner Marjorie Merriweather Post and stockbroker and financier Edward Francis Hutton. Dina served RKO Pictures as their vice chairperson. She also appeared in movies such as The Sundowners and Butterfield 8, and was on the boards of various charitable trusts.
48
Jonathan Demme(American film director)
Birthdate: February 22, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Baldwin, New York
Died: April 26
49
Rance Howard(Actor)
Birthdate: November 17, 1928
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Duncan, Oklahoma, USA
Died: November 25
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
Birthdate: October 16, 1950
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Chatham County, Georgia
Died: December 10
Charles Marvin Green Jr., better known as Angry Grandpa, was a popular American YouTube celebrity who soared to fame with his pranks on the channels TheAngryGrandpaShow and Grandpa's Corner. Initially a firefighter and a small business owner, he later appeared on shows such as TruTV's Most Shocking and MTV's Pranked.
