What Happened This Year 2017

People Who Died in 2017

Kim Jong-hyun

South Korean singer and songwriter
Born
April 8th, 1990 34 years ago
Died
December 18th, 2017 7 years ago — 27 years old

A prominent South Korean singer and songwriter, gained widespread recognition as a member of the boy band SHINee. Launched solo career with multiple successful albums, showcasing musical versatility through a blend of pop and R&B influences. Achieved critical acclaim with the album "Story Op. 1" and the hit song "Deja Boo." Apart from musical achievements, engaged in songwriting for several artists and contributed to the K-pop genre's development. Involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting mental health awareness prior to passing.

Continue Reading

Bruce McCandless II

US astronaut and first untethered spacewalker
Born
1937 88 years ago
Died
December 21st, 2017 7 years ago — 80 years old

Performed the first untethered spacewalk in 1984 during the STS-41-B mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. This historic EVA exhibited the capabilities of the Manned Maneuvering Unit, a device that allowed astronauts to move freely in space. McCandless dedicated his career to space exploration, participating in three Space Shuttle flights, and contributed to various missions by utilizing advanced spacecraft systems. His work emphasized the importance of human presence and maneuverability in space operations.

Continue Reading

Gonzalo Morales Sáurez

Costa Rican painter with cultural impact
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 2017 7 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent painter from Costa Rica, production spanned several decades and involved various artistic movements. His work captured the essence of Costa Rican life and landscapes, often infused with social commentary. Besides painting, engaged in teaching art, nurturing future generations of artists. Participation in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally showcased the country's vibrant culture and artistic expressions. Contributions to public art in Costa Rica included murals that depicted historical events and cultural heritage.

Continue Reading

Maurice Hayes

Irish educator and politician
Born
July 8th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2017 7 years ago — 90 years old

An educator and politician contributed to public life in Ireland. Served as a Senator and held significant roles in education administration. Played a key role in the establishment of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and worked on various educational reforms. Participated actively in political discourse and public service, influencing policy decisions in the education sector.

Continue Reading

Heather Menzies

Actress in The Sound of Music
Born
December 3rd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2017 7 years ago — 68 years old

An actress gained recognition for a prominent role in the film "The Sound of Music" as Louisa von Trapp. The performance showcased significant talent in musical theater and film. Menzies also appeared in various television series, including "Beachcombers" and "The Muppet Show." Throughout her career, she took part in a variety of productions that highlighted her acting skills and dedication to the craft.

Continue Reading

Jerry Kindall

Baseball player and coach, 1962 World Series
Born
May 27th, 1935 89 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2017 7 years ago — 82 years old

An American baseball player and coach, contributions spanned playing and coaching at various levels of the sport. Played as an infielder for teams including the Chicago Cubs, the Cleveland Indians, and the Minnesota Twins. Won the 1962 World Series as a player with the San Francisco Giants. Transitioned to coaching, serving at the collegiate level and guiding teams to competitive success. Recognized for contributions to baseball both on and off the field.

Continue Reading

Irv Weinstein

Television news anchor and broadcaster
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2017 7 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent television news anchor, this individual anchored the evening news for WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, for over 36 years. The news program became a staple in the community, known for its investigative reporting and in-depth coverage of local and national events. Throughout the career, there was a strong emphasis on storytelling, making complex issues accessible to the public. Besides anchoring, this person participated in special reports and community events, demonstrating a commitment to local journalism. A significant figure in Buffalo media, the individual contributed to the growth and popularity of broadcast news in the region.

Continue Reading

Rose Marie

Actress and singer from The Dick Van Dyke Show
Born
August 15th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
December 28th, 2017 7 years ago — 94 years old

Rose Marie began a career in entertainment at a young age, gaining acclaim as a singer and actress. Major recognition came from the role of Sally Rogers on the television series The Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired from 1961 to 1966. In addition to her television work, she had a successful career in vaudeville, showcasing her singing talent. Her contributions to the entertainment industry spanned several decades, with appearances in television shows and films, as well as live performances.

Continue Reading

Peggy Cummins

Irish actress in film and theater
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2017 7 years ago — 92 years old

Cummins commenced acting in the late 1940s, gaining recognition for performances in British cinema. Achievements include leading roles in films such as 'Gun Crazy' (1950) and 'Night Has a Thousand Eyes' (1948). Her work in theater also received critical acclaim, contributing to the performing arts in Ireland and the UK. Throughout a career spanning several decades, her talent engaged audiences, and she continued acting into her later years.

Continue Reading