Famous people and celebrities who died in December 1997

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in December 1997. 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

• Dec. 1 Stéphane Grappelli

  Renowned French-Italian jazz violinist who co-founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France with Django Reinhardt and became a legendary...

• Dec. 5 Eugen Cicero

  Romanian-german jazz pianist (b. 1940).

• Dec. 7 Billy Bremner

  Scottish footballer and manager (b. 1942).

• Dec. 11 Eddie Chapman

  Eddie Chapman was a notorious British double agent during World War II, famously known as Agent Zigzag.

• Dec. 11 Simon Jeffes

  English guitarist and composer (b. 1949).

• Dec. 12 Evgenii Landis

  Renowned Ukrainian-Russian mathematician known for significant contributions to mathematical theory and research.

• Dec. 13 Don E. Fehrenbacher

  American historian, author, and academic (b. 1920).

• Dec. 13 Giovanni Alberto Agnelli
• Dec. 14 Stubby Kaye

  Stubby Kaye was an American comic actor and singer known for his roles in Broadway musicals and Hollywood films, especially in the mid-20th century. [bio]

• Dec. 14 Emily Cheney Neville

  Emily Cheney Neville was an American children's book author known for her award-winning novel 'It's Like This, Cat', which won the Newbery...

• Dec. 14 Kurt Winter

  Canadian musician, guitarist of the rock band The Guess Who, who passed away in 1997.

• Dec. 14 Owen Barfield

  Owen Barfield was a British author known for his works on philology and literary criticism.

• Dec. 16 Lillian Disney

  Lillian Disney was the wife of Walt Disney and a businesswoman who helped manage the Disney family's financial affairs.

• Dec. 16 Nicolette Larson

  Nicolette Larson was an accomplished American singer and songwriter known for her hit single 'Lotta Love' and her work in country and rock...

• Dec. 18 Chris Farley

  Chris Farley was an American comedian and actor known for his energetic and physically comedic performances on 'Saturday Night Live' and in films such as 'Tommy Boy' and 'Black Sheep.' [bio]

• Dec. 19 Masaru Ibuka

  Masaru Ibuka was a pioneering Japanese entrepreneur who co-founded Sony Corporation, transforming it into a global technology powerhouse.

• Dec. 20 Denise Levertov

  Renowned British-American poet who made significant contributions to modern poetry during and after World War II, publishing influential...

• Dec. 20 Juzo Itami

  Renowned Japanese filmmaker known for satirical and critically acclaimed movies like 'Tampopo'.

• Dec. 22 Sebastian Arcos Bergnes

  Cuban-american dentist and activist (b. 1931).

• Dec. 24 Toshirô Mifune

  Toshirô Mifune was one of the most influential Japanese actors of the 20th century, renowned for his dynamic presence and intense performances in classic films, particularly his collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa. He became an international icon for his roles in samurai epics such as 'Rashomon,' 'Seven Samurai,' and 'Yojimbo.' His career helped bridge Japanese cinema and global audiences. [bio]

• Dec. 24 Pierre Péladeau

  Prominent Canadian media businessman who founded Quebecor, a major media and telecommunications corporation in Quebec.

• Dec. 24 James Komack

  James Komack was a versatile American entertainment professional known for his work as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter in...

• Dec. 25 Denver Pyle

  Denver Pyle was an American actor and director best known for his roles in classic television series and films, particularly in Westerns. He is widely recognized for portraying Uncle Jesse Duke in 'The Dukes of Hazzard' and Briscoe Darling Jr. in 'The Andy Griffith Show.' [bio]

• Dec. 25 Giorgio Strehler
• Dec. 30 Shinichi Hoshi

  Japanese author and illustrator (b. 1926).

• Dec. 31 Billie Dove

  Billie Dove was an American actress, recognized as one of the leading ladies of the silent film era. She starred in many popular films during the 1920s and early 1930s, and was admired for her beauty and screen presence. [bio]

• Dec. 31 Floyd Cramer

  Renowned country and pop pianist famous for his distinctive 'slip note' piano style, who significantly influenced Nashville's music scene.

• Dec. 31 Michael Kennedy

  Member of the prominent Kennedy political family, tragically killed in a skiing accident at age 39.