Famous people and celebrities who died in June 1997

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

• June 1 Nikolaj Aleksandrovič Tichonov
• June 2 Helen Jacobs

  Prominent American tennis player and naval commander who was a significant figure in women's sports during the early 20th century.

• June 2 Doc Cheatham

  Renowned American jazz trumpet player and bandleader, famous for his work with McKinney's Cotton Pickers and significant contributions to...

• June 3 Salvatore Fiume
• June 4 Ronnie Lane

  Influential British rock musician, bassist and songwriter who was a key member of the bands Small Faces and Faces.

• June 5 J. Anthony Lukas

  American journalist and author (b. 1933).

• June 6 Magda Gabor
• June 8 Karen Wetterhahn

  American chemist and academic (b. 1948).

• June 12 Bulat Okudzhava

  Renowned Russian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist who was a significant figure in the Soviet bardic tradition, known for his poetic and...

• June 12 Bulat Šalvovič Okudžava
• June 12 Peter Blos
• June 13 Nguyen Manh Tuong

  Vietnamese lawyer and academic (b. 1909).

• June 14 Richard Jaeckel

  Richard Jaeckel was an American actor known for his extensive work in film and television, particularly in the war and western genres from the 1940s through the 1990s. He gained recognition for his rugged roles and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'Sometimes a Great Notion' (1971). [bio]

• June 18 Lev Kopelev

  Ukrainian-German writer, literary scholar, and human rights activist who was a prominent dissident during the Soviet era.

• June 19 Olga Georges-Picot

  Olga Georges-Picot was a French actress known for her work in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in both French and international films. [bio]

• June 21 Shintaro Katsu

  Renowned Japanese actor, singer, director, and producer who was a significant figure in Japanese entertainment from the mid-20th century.

• June 21 Fidel Velázquez Sánchez

  Mexican trade union leader (b. 1900).

• June 23 Betty Shabazz

  Prominent civil rights activist and educator, wife of Malcolm X, who dedicated her life to continuing her husband's legacy of social justice...

• June 24 Brian Keith

  Brian Keith was an American film, television, and stage actor, acclaimed for his versatility and longevity throughout a career spanning six decades. He is best remembered for his role as Uncle Bill Davis in the popular TV series 'Family Affair' (1966–1971), and for notable performances in films such as 'The Parent Trap' (1961) and 'The Russians Are Coming, the Russians … [bio]

• June 24 Don Hutson

  Legendary American football player and coach who revolutionized the wide receiver position in the NFL during the 1930s and 1940s.

• June 25 Jacques Cousteau

  Jacques Cousteau was a renowned French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, filmmaker, innovator, scientist, photographer, author, and researcher who studied the sea and all forms of life in water. He co-developed the Aqua-Lung, pioneered marine conservation efforts, and brought underwater exploration to popular audiences through documentaries like 'The Silent World.' [bio]

• June 26 Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• June 28 Ondino Viera
• June 29 William Hickey