Famous people and celebrities who died in October 2017

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in October 2017. 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

• Oct. 1 Dave Strader

  American sportscaster[67] (b. 1955).

• Oct. 2 Tom Petty

  Tom Petty was an influential American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. He was also a member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys and the earlier band Mudcrutch. Petty's career, spanning over four decades, was marked by a distinct heartland rock sound and a string of hits that made … [bio]

• Oct. 2 Paul Otellini

  Influential technology executive who served as CEO of Intel Corporation, driving significant technological innovations during his tenure.

• Oct. 2 Evangelina Elizondo

  Prominent Mexican actress who had a significant career in film and television, known for her versatile roles and contributions to Latin...

• Oct. 3 Michel Jouvet
• Oct. 5 Eberhard van der Laan

  Dutch politician, mayor of amsterdam (b. 1955).

• Oct. 6 Ralphie May

  Renowned stand-up comedian known for his bold, self-deprecating humor and appearances on various TV shows and comedy specials.

• Oct. 6 David Marks

  Original member of the Beach Boys, a pioneering rock band that significantly influenced American popular music in the 1960s.

• Oct. 6 Connie Hawkins

  Legendary basketball player who overcame significant legal challenges and became an NBA star, known for his extraordinary skills and...

• Oct. 9 Jean Rochefort

  Jean Rochefort was a distinguished French actor renowned for his versatility and contributions to French cinema, particularly in comedic and dramatic roles. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he became a beloved figure in both French and international film circles. [bio]

• Oct. 11 Clifford Husbands

  Barbadian politician (b. 1926).

• Oct. 12 Margarita D'Amico

  Venezuelan journalist (b. 1938).

• Oct. 15 Chinggoy Alonzo

  Filipino theater, movie & television actor (b. 1950).

• Oct. 16 Roy Dotrice

  Roy Dotrice was a distinguished British actor known for his work in theatre, television, and film. He had a rich career spanning more than five decades and was recognized for his versatility and strong character portrayals. [bio]

• Oct. 16 Daphne Caruana Galizia

  Courageous Maltese investigative journalist assassinated in 2017, renowned for her fearless reporting on corruption and political...

• Oct. 16 Sean Hughes

  British-born irish stand-up comedian (b. 1965).

• Oct. 17 Gord Downie

  Canadian musician (b. 1964).

• Oct. 18 Marino Perani

  Italian football player and manager (b. 1939).

• Oct. 19 Umberto Lenzi

  Italian film director (b. 1931).

• Oct. 22 George Young

  Australian musician, songwriter and record producer (b. 1946).

• Oct. 23 Walter Lassally

  German cinematographer (b. 1926).

• Oct. 24 Fats Domino

  Fats Domino was an American pianist, singer, and songwriter who was a pioneering figure in rock and roll and rhythm and blues music. Known for his boogie-woogie piano style and smooth vocals, he achieved worldwide fame in the 1950s and 1960s with hits such as 'Blueberry Hill' and 'Ain't That a Shame.' [bio]

• Oct. 24 Robert Guillaume

  Robert Guillaume was an acclaimed American actor and singer, best known for his role as Benson DuBois on the television series "Soap" and its spin-off "Benson." He gained additional fame as the voice of Rafiki in Disney's "The Lion King." [bio]

• Oct. 24 Girija Devi

  Renowned Indian classical singer who was a master of the Thumri genre and played a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional...

• Oct. 26 Ali Ashraf Darvishian

  Iranian novelist, short story writer and academic.

• Oct. 29 Linda Nochlin
• Oct. 30 Kim Joo-hyuk

  South korean actor (b. 1972).