12 Greats We Lost In 2017

NEW YORK, NY — After a year of change and tumult the world over, it's worth reflecting on the notable people that died in 2017 and the legacies they've left behind.

The writers, actors, musicians, thinkers, sports stars and leaders that are no longer with us can shape our world for years to come as their impact continues to be felt. The influence in death of some public figures can become even more outsized than it was during their lifetimes.

Here are some of the most notable people who died this year:

Norma McCorvey, Plaintiff In Roe v. Wade Abortion Decision, Dies At 69

In the now-famous Supreme Court case, she was known as "Jane Roe." Norma McCorvey was the face behind Roe v. Wade, the decision that barred states from banning abortion. Her views on the controversial issue changed dramatically over the years and she later became a pro-life born-again Christian.

Sue Grafton, Famed Mystery Writer, Dies At 77

Sue Grafton was the mystery author of the so-called Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Series, in which each book title began with a letter from the alphabet. The last was "Y is for Yesterday."

"The alphabet now ends at Y," Grafton's daughter wrote in an announcement of her death.

Derek Parfit, Renowned Philosopher of Ethics, Mind and Metaphysics, Dies at 74

Derek Parfit was an academic philosopher known for his influential thinking and arguments on sprawling issues, including ethics, personal identity, the meaning and importance of time, the promise of philosophy, attitudes toward death, our duties to future generations, the nature of reality and the origins of all existence.

Mary Tyler Moore, Whose Shine Began With Dawn Of Modern TV, Dies At 80

Mary Tyler Moore's sunny smile and boundless optimism in various roles helped usher in the dawn of modern television and paved the way for female leading roles.

Dick Gregory, Legendary Stand-Up Comic and Activist, Dies At 84

It wasn't that there weren't black comedians performing on "The Tonight Show" in 1961. It was just that they were never invited to sit down with host Jack Paar after they did their set. Dick Gregory changed that, and he changed comedy forever. A confidante of Martin Luther King, Jr., Gregory was also widely known for his civil rights activism.

Tom Petty, Legendary Singer, Dies At 66

Tom Petty was a legendary, multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter and guitarist who blended the swagger of the Rolling Stones with the folk rock sensibility of Bob Dylan.

Sam Shepard, Playwright And Actor, Dies At 73

Shepard received a Pulitzer Prize for his 1979 play "Buried Child" and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1983 movie "The Right Stuff." His 1983 play "True West" and the 1984 play "Fool For Love" also earned him nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. Most recently, Shepard played Robert Rayburn in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series "Bloodline," which marked his last on-camera appearance.

Liz Smith, Queen Of Gossip, Dies At 94

From Frank Sinatra to Donald Trump, Liz Smith dished on the biggest names, was a tireless reporter and helped define the modern gossip column.

Roy Halladay, MLB Great, Killed In Florida Plane Crash

Halladay led a distinguished career in the major leagues and took up flying in his retirement from baseball. He crashed a small plane into the ocean, one of the first of a new model to be sold.

Cardinal Bernard Law, Symbol Of Clergy Abuse, Dead At 86

The former Archbishop of Boston became a symbol of the Catholic Church's abuse scandal. Law was accused not only of knowing about a pervasive problem of priests raping and molesting children, but of knowingly and systematically reassigning abusers to other parishes, where they were not punished.

Fats Domino, Rock And Roll Pioneer, Dies at 89

The artist was known for "Ain't That A Shame," "Blueberry Hill" and other danceable hits. During his remarkable career, he sold more than 65 million records — more than any other 1950s rock 'n roll act, with the exception of Elvis Presley.

Roger Ailes, Architect Of Fox News, Dies At 77

While Ailes has long been revered by Republicans and within conservative media circles, he and the network he founded were deeply controversial. The one-time Nixon aide fell from power in the last year of his life after he was booted from his leadership position at Fox over allegations of sexual harassment.

Left to right: (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images for Playboy) (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images) (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)