Special Sub-Topic: Famous 1997 Deaths Click Here To Play: Famous 1997 Deaths

Wilbert Vere Awdry, best known as the author of the Children's book series "Thomas the Tank Engine" died on this day in 1997?

21st March. He was awarded an OBE in 1996 New Years honours list.

This famous "John" died tragically on the 12th October?

John Denver. Denver died when the light aircraft he was piloting crashed shortly after take off. John F Kennedy Jr suffered a similiar fate however he died in 1999. John Candy died of a sudden Heart Attack in 1994 and Blues guitarist John Lee Hooker died in 2001.

This actor died on the 9th Septemebr. He will be best remembered as his role as "The Penguin" in the "Batman" Television series?

Burgess Meredith. Cesear Romero died in 1994 and played "The Joker", Frank Gorshin died in 2005 and played "The Riddler. Alan Napier played the role of Alfred the Butler. He died in 1988.

The fashion industry suffered a major loss when Gianni Versace was murdered on this date.

15th July. Gianni was murdered by Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer. Cunanan commited suicide shortly afterwards with the same gun he used to kill Versace.

Which legendary American film actor died on the 1st July?

Robert Mitchum. Robert was born on 6th August 1917. He died a few weeks short of his 80th birthday. James Stewart died one day after Mitchum and Roy Rogers died on the 6th July 1998. Gene Kelly died on 2nd February 1996.

The son of this famous comedian was murdered on 16th January.

Bill Cosby. Ennis Cosby was Bill Cosby's only son. He was murdered while changing a flat tyre on his car. He was only 27 years old.

This was the fateful date that claimed the life of Diana Princess of Wales?

31st August. The world will never be the same without her.

Mother Teresa, arguably the world's greatest humanitarian died on the 5th September. What was the cause of death?

Heart attack. Mother Teresa had ongoing heart problems after suffering her first heart attack in 1983. Her health had been declining for several months before her death.

Australian music lost one of their greatest exports when INXS frontman Michael Hutchence died on the 22nd November. Which song was playing in the background at the funeral when his coffin was carried out of the church?

"Never Tear Us Apart". This song features on thier album "Kick". A great song, great album, great musician.

French explorer/ecologist/scientist/photographer Jacques-Yves Costeau died on 25th June. How old was he when he died?

87. Costeau was born on the 11th June 1910. He died just after celebrating his 87th birthday.