Famous people and celebrities who died in 1977

A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 1977. 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. 14 Anaïs Nin
Influential French-American diarist and writer who became a significant figure in feminist literature, known for her deeply personal and...
Jan. 18 Yvonne Printemps
Yvonne Printemps was a renowned French singer and actress noted for her work in operetta and musical theatre in the early to mid-20th century. She was celebrated for her charming stage presence and her contributions to the French performing arts during the interwar period. [bio]
Jan. 29 Freddie Prinze
Freddie Prinze was an American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for starring as Chico Rodriguez on the NBC television sitcom 'Chico and the Man' in the 1970s. [bio]
Feb. 18 Andy Devine
Andy Devine was an American character actor known for his distinctive raspy voice and comedic roles in film and television, particularly from the 1930s through the 1960s. [bio]
Feb. 27 Allison Hayes
Allison Hayes was an American actress and former model, best known for her role as Nancy Archer in the cult classic film 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman' (1958). She appeared in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 1960s, gaining a following for her performances in B-movies and sci-fi horror films. [bio]
March 4 Toma Caragiu
Toma Caragiu was a widely celebrated Romanian actor of Greek origin, renowned for his versatile performances in theater, film, and television. He is particularly remembered for his comedic monologues and significant roles in classic Romanian films. [bio]
March 14 Fannie Lou Hamer
Prominent African American civil rights activist who fought for voting rights and racial equality in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic...
March 27 Diana Hyland
Diana Hyland was an American stage, film, and television actress best known for her work in the mid-20th century, notably her Emmy-winning role in 'The Boy in the Plastic Bubble.' [bio]
May 10 Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford was a highly influential American actress and dancer, renowned for her commanding screen presence and versatility. She became one of Hollywood's most prominent leading ladies during the Golden Age of cinema, earning critical acclaim and widespread fame for roles in films such as 'Mildred Pierce,' for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. [bio]
June 2 Stephen Boyd
Stephen Boyd was a Northern Irish actor best known for his roles in the mid-20th century, particularly as Messala in the epic film 'Ben-Hur' (1959). His notable career spanned both Hollywood and British cinema, earning acclaim for his charismatic screen presence. [bio]
June 13 Matthew Garber
Matthew Garber was an English child actor best known for his role as Michael Banks in Walt Disney's 'Mary Poppins' (1964). [bio]
June 16 Wernher von Braun
Wernher von Braun was a German-born aerospace engineer and space architect who played a leading role in the development of rocket technology in Germany and the United States. He was instrumental in Germany's V-2 rocket program during World War II and later became a central figure in the American space program, contributing significantly to the development of the Saturn V … [bio]
July 9 Alice Paul
American suffragist and feminist who played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States.
Aug. 3 Makarios III
Archbishop of Cyprus who played a pivotal role in the island's independence movement and became its first president, leading the country...
Aug. 16 Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor, often referred to as the 'King of Rock and Roll.' He became an icon of 20th-century pop culture for his powerful voice, distinctive performance style, and lasting influence on the music industry. [bio]
Aug. 19 Groucho Marx
Groucho Marx was an American comedian, writer, stage, film, radio, and television star, best known as a master of quick wit and as a member of the Marx Brothers comedy team. [bio]
Aug. 22 Sebastian Cabot
Sebastian Cabot was a British actor best known for his television and film work from the 1930s to 1970s. He gained widespread recognition for portraying the gentle butler Giles French in the American sitcom 'Family Affair,' as well as voicing characters in Walt Disney animated films. [bio]
Aug. 29 Jean Hagen
Jean Hagen was an American actress, best known for her role as Lina Lamont in the classic 1952 film 'Singin' in the Rain.' Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Hagen also had a successful career in television and other films during the 1940s and 1950s. [bio]
Sept. 1 Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was an influential American singer and actress, renowned for her contributions to jazz, blues, and gospel music, as well as her pioneering work on stage and in film. She broke racial barriers throughout her career and made a lasting impact on American entertainment. [bio]
Sept. 8 Zero Mostel
Zero Mostel was an American actor, comedian, and singer, renowned for his versatile stage and film performances, particularly on Broadway and in Hollywood. He became widely recognized for his comedic talents and his dynamic presence in both drama and musical theatre. [bio]
Sept. 12 Robert Lowell
Robert Lowell was a highly influential American poet and a key figure in the confessional poetry movement.
Sept. 12 Steven Biko
Prominent South African anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance against racial...
Sept. 16 Maria Callas
Maria Callas was a world-renowned Greek-American soprano recognized for her extraordinary vocal range and dramatic interpretations. She played a pivotal role in reviving 19th-century bel canto opera and became one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century. [bio]
Sept. 16 Marc Bolan
Iconic British rock musician who founded the influential band T-Rex, Marc Bolan was a pivotal figure in the glam rock movement of the 1970s.
Sept. 26 Uday Shankar
Uday Shankar was a pioneering Indian dancer and choreographer who revolutionized classical and folk dance forms, introducing modern...
Oct. 14 Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and media personality, widely regarded as one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century. He achieved global fame through his smooth baritone voice, pioneering work in audio recording, and leading roles in film, radio, and television. [bio]
Dec. 7 Peter Carl Goldmark
Pioneering Hungarian-American engineer who made significant contributions to television technology and long-playing (LP) record development...
Dec. 25 Charles Chaplin
Charles Chaplin was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who became one of the most important figures in the history of cinema. He is best known for his work during the silent film era, particularly for creating the iconic character 'The Tramp.' [bio]