What Happened on December 23, 1997

Historical Events

"As Good as It Gets"

"As Good as It Gets" film released written and directed by James L. Brooks, starring Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt

A Channukah candle is officially lighted in Vatican City for the 1st time to celebrate Hanukkah and to reconcile Roman Catholics and Jews [1]

Ballon d'Or

Ballon d'Or: Barcelona/Inter's Brazilian striker Ronaldo wins his first of 2 best football player in Europe awards ahead of Real Madrid forward Predrag Mijatović and Juventus midfielder Zinedine Zidane

Football Player and Manager Zinedine Zidane

Jackson Quickest to 500 Wins

Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson is quickest to reach 500 wins (682 games)

Kurri Scores 800

Colorado Avalanche Jari Kurri is 8th NHLer to score 600 career goals

Terry Nichols found guilty of manslaughter in Oklahoma bombing
US Agriculture Department estimates it costs $149,820 to raise a child to 18

Events in 1997

Famous Weddings

Woody Allen

American filmmaker Woody Allen, 62 weds Soon-Yi Previn 27, adopted daughter of Mia Farrow in civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli in Venice, Italy, presided over by Mayor Massimo Cacciari

Famous Deaths

Brian Malzard Foss, British psychologist, dies at 76
Donald Gunn MacRae, British sociologist, dies at 76
Hrvoje Horvatic, Croatian filmmaker (Hand on the Shoulder), dies from chicken pox at 39
Keith Bentley, English international racing cyclist, dies at 72
Stanley Cortez, American cinematographer (Magnificent Ambersons), dies at 89

Died in 1997 1997 Highlights