Famous people and celebrities who died in 1937

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1937. 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. 21 Marie Prevost

  Marie Prevost was a Canadian-born American film actress who was a prominent star in silent films during the 1920s, known for her comedic roles, charismatic screen presence, and contributions to the scree's transition from silent to early sound films. [bio]

• Feb. 7 Elihu Root

  American lawyer and politician, 38th united states secretary of state, nobel prize laureate (b. 1845).

• March 8 Howie Morenz

  A legendary Canadian ice hockey player who was a star in the early NHL and is considered one of the first hockey superstars.

• March 16 Austen Chamberlain

  English politician, secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs, nobel prize laureate (b. 1863).

• April 27 Antonio Gramsci

  Antonio Gramsci was an Italian Marxist philosopher and politician, known for his theory of cultural hegemony and his analysis of the role of...

• May 23 John D. Rockefeller

  American business magnate and philanthropist, founder of the Standard Oil Company and one of the wealthiest people in history.

• May 25 Henry Ossawa Tanner

  An African-American painter who was one of the first African-American artists to gain international acclaim for his paintings.

• June 6 Jean Harlow

  Jean Harlow was an American film actress and sex symbol of the 1930s, often nicknamed the "Blonde Bombshell." She starred in several popular films during Hollywood's pre-Code era and became one of MGM's most bankable stars before her tragic death at just 26. [bio]

• June 10 Robert Borden

  The eighth Prime Minister of Canada, who led the country during World War I..

• June 25 Colin Clive

  Colin Clive was an English stage and screen actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Henry Frankenstein in the classic horror films 'Frankenstein' (1931) and 'Bride of Frankenstein' (1935). [bio]

• July 2 Amelia Earhart

  Amelia Earhart was a pioneering American aviator and author, renowned for her daring exploits in aviation during the early 20th century. She was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and played a major role in opening the field of aviation to women. Earhart disappeared in 1937 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, and her life and … [bio]

• July 11 George Gershwin

  George Gershwin was a renowned American composer and pianist, celebrated for his innovative blend of classical music with jazz, blues, and popular styles. His extensive repertoire includes popular standards, orchestral compositions, and Broadway musicals. He is widely credited with bridging the gap between popular and classical music in America, and his works remain influential and frequently performed. [bio]

• July 18 Julian Bell

  Julian Bell was a notable English poet, academic, and writer associated with the Bloomsbury Group.

• July 20 Guglielmo Marconi

  Italian physicist and engineer, nobel prize laureate (b. 1874).

• Aug. 11 Edith Wharton

  Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, known for her novels and short stories that explore themes of...

• Sept. 21 Osgood Perkins

  American actor (b. 1892).

• Oct. 19 Ernest Rutherford

  New zealand-english physicist and chemist, nobel prize laureate (b. 1871).

• Nov. 23 Jagadish Chandra Bose

  Renowned physicist known for his work in the field of radio and microwave optics.

• Dec. 9 Nils Gustaf Dalén

  Prize laureate for his invention of automatic regulators for use in conjunction with gas accumulators for illuminating lighthouses and...

• Dec. 12 Alfred Abel

  German actor and film producer, also known as the "lewis stone" of german movies.

• Dec. 21 Ted Healy

  Ted Healy was an American vaudeville performer, comedian, and actor best known for creating the comedy team that would become The Three Stooges. He was a prominent figure in early 20th-century American entertainment, performing on stage and in films during the 1920s and 1930s. [bio]

• Dec. 21 Frank Billings Kellogg

  Prize laureate for his crucial role in bringing about the Briand-Kellogg Pact.

• Dec. 21 Frank B. Kellogg

  American lawyer and politician, 45th united states secretary of state, nobel prize laureate (b. 1856).

• Dec. 26 Ivor Gurney

  Ivor Gurney was an English poet and composer who served in World War I..

• Dec. 28 Maurice Ravel

  Maurice Ravel was a renowned French composer, widely associated with Impressionist music though he himself often rejected the label. He is best known for his masterful orchestration and innovative compositions, notably the orchestral work 'Boléro' (1928), which became his most famous piece. Ravel also produced important ballets such as 'Ma Mère l'Oye' (Mother Goose, 1910) and composed works that have … [bio]

What happened in 1937?

Discover what the world looked like in 1937: