Famous people and celebrities who died on October 17

Welcome to Takemeback.to's page dedicated to remembering the celebrities and famous people who passed away on October 17. On this day, we honor the lives and legacies of notable figures from various fields who left an indelible mark on the world. Explore our list to learn about their remarkable contributions and celebrate their enduring impact.

• 1849 Frederic Chopin

  Renowned Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era.

• 1934 Santiago Ramón y Cajal

  Spanish neuroscientist, histologist, and pathologist.

• 1938 Karl Kautsky

  Czech-german journalist, philosopher, and theoretician (b. 1854).

• 1958 Paul Outerbridge

  American educator and photographer (d. 1958).

• 1966 Sidney Hatch

  American soldier and runner (d. 1966).

• 1970 Pierre Laporte

  Pierre Laporte was a prominent Canadian politician and journalist who served as Deputy Premier of Quebec.

• 1973 Ingeborg Bachmann

  Renowned Austrian poet and philosopher who made significant contributions to post-war literature.

• 1979 John Stuart

  John Stuart was a Scottish actor known for his extensive career in British cinema, transitioning from silent films to talkies and maintaining steady work for several decades. He appeared in a variety of roles, often portraying dignified and authoritative characters. [bio]

• 1981 Albert Cohen

  Greek-swiss civil servant and author (b. 1895).

• 1983 Raymond Aron

  Raymond Aron was a prominent French intellectual who significantly contributed to political sociology, liberal theory, and Cold War...

• 1984 Alberta Hunter

  Alberta Hunter was an American blues singer and songwriter who had a successful career in the 1920s and 1930s.

• 1990 Ralph Abernathy

  Prominent American civil rights activist who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr.

• 1993 Criss Oliva

  Renowned guitarist and songwriter for the progressive metal band Savatage, known for his exceptional guitar skills and significant...

• 1996 Chris Acland

  English musician and drummer of lush (b. 1966).

• 1997 Larry Jennings

  Renowned American magician and magic author who significantly contributed to the art of close-up magic during the mid-20th century.

• 2001 Rehavam Ze'evi

  Israeli military and political leader who served as Tourism Minister of Israel.

• 2001 Jay Livingston

  Renowned American songwriter and composer known for writing classic songs like 'Que Sera, Sera' and winning multiple Academy Awards for film...

• 2002 Derek Bell

  Derek Bell was a renowned Irish traditional musician, best known as a harpist and pianist for the iconic folk band The Chieftains.

• 2006 Daniel Emilfork

  Chilean-French actor known for his distinctive appearance and roles in surrealist and art-house films, particularly in European cinema...

• 2007 Teresa Brewer

  Teresa Brewer was a popular American singer known for her distinctive, cheerful voice and a string of chart-topping hits in the 1950s and 1960s. She is widely recognized as one of the most successful female vocalists of her era, crossing over from traditional pop to jazz and country. [bio]

• 2007 Joey Bishop

  Joey Bishop was a prominent American comedian, actor, and television host, best known as a key member of the legendary Rat Pack alongside...

• 2008 Levi Stubbs

  Levi Stubbs was an American baritone singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the Motown group The Four Tops, one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of the 1960s and 1970s. [bio]

• 2009 Vic Mizzy

  Renowned American television composer famous for creating memorable theme songs for classic TV shows like 'Green Acres' and 'The Addams...

• 2012 Émile Allais

  Legendary French alpine ski racer who dominated the sport in the 1930s, winning multiple world championship gold medals and revolutionizing...

• 2013 Lou Scheimer

  Pioneering American animator and producer who co-founded Filmation Studios, a significant animation company that produced numerous popular...

• 2013 Mother Antonia

  Compassionate American-Mexican nun and humanitarian activist dedicated to serving prisoners and marginalized communities.

• 2015 Danièle Delorme

  Danièle Delorme was a renowned French actress and film producer, acclaimed for her delicate, nuanced performances across French cinema from the 1940s to the 1970s. She gained recognition for roles in classics such as 'Gigi' (1949) and later became a producer dedicated to important, often socially conscious, films. [bio]

• 2019 Elijah Cummings

  Elijah Cummings was a prominent African American politician and civil rights advocate who served in the U.S.

• 2019 Alicia Alonso

  Legendary Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer who founded the Cuban National Ballet and was internationally renowned for her artistic...

• 2024 Andrew V. Schally

  Prize laureate for their discoveries concerning the peptide hormone production of the brain.