Why Do Celebrities’ Deaths Affect Us So Profoundly?

I think because they become part of lives in a way. They contribute something to us. And the ones that affect us the most are the ones that have touched us in some way.

I guess celebrities are a part of us. We listen to their music dance their jams, we know all about their lives, they actually have no privacy. We see their life stories before they die. if they make a mistake we know , if they become criminal we know. when they marry, have childrens. I'm just breaking it down to you. We love some and hate others. We are fickle we change like the wind. But we are constant. Some of us live our lives through them. We enjoy their performances on screen and stage. Thats why their deaths effect us so dramaticly. We have pictures and tapes just like family.

I guess this has to do with media impact. I mean the TV/DVD and radio world bring us into this world where we meet these personalities not physically but audio -visually. We interact with their music, dance styles and acts without even meeting them directly...lets say we meet them indirectly through the media. So we celebrate them...i guess that is why we call them celebrities...and when they are gone its like we have lost some one we actually knew....known to us by the music, act and fashion...

Celebrities are iconic....they have an effect on us consciously or subconsciously...we may or may not ape their style, attitude and certainly seek similarity through their work....we feel a certain oneness....so naturally their death,brings us an emptiness, strips us emotionally and leave us feeling vulnerable to some extent.
Its your happiness that vaporizes at their departing.

Deaths of celebrities really affects me.. why.. because somehow these people have touched our lives in their own way. They have been part of our daily life not directly, but in their music, in their movies, in the news. They have helped to ease the burden our own life. For example michael jackson... he's music and his voice relaxes one who is so tired of his job... farrah faucet makes a part of us during the Charlie's angels days... we become excited when one episode is about to be aired. Their life is an inspiration to us, that all of us has the capacity to be great in our own field. These people are God's blessing to humanity....

there are times when our emotions get the best of us and one of the first things we can relyl on is a good playlist to represent our mood. these artistes have 'indirectly' been our motivation, inspiration, shoulder to lean on etc... therefore, when they have passed away we are deeply touched.

Celebrity deaths deepy affect so many people because we respond in some way to their image ... even if it's negative or tragic.

CULTURE includes such things as age; with age comes certain events, and influences. I grew up in the 60s watching Lucy, Captain Kangaroo, Andy Griffith, Family Affair, Premier Magnifique, Bonanza, Walt Disney, Heckle & Jeckle, Speedy Gonzales, Julia, Bridget loves Bernie, The Mothers-in-Law, My Favorite Martian, My Mother the Car, 77 Sunset Strip, Mission Impossible, Dragnet, Westerns, and many others that the FAMILY sat around ONE TV and watched. Similarly, we listened to and were influenced by music of the time.Being a year younger than MJ and the youngest of 8, I grew up listening to Booker T & the MG's, Aretha, Sam Cooke, Otis, Temptations,Smokey & the Miracles, Fontella Bass, Carla Thomas, the Beatles, Elvis, Wes Montgomery, Santana and many others. MJ & the J5 were young folks - kids- with whom to identify in the music, How cool was that? It changed music forever. As they die, it feels like a friend has moved away or like a fave item was lost. Saw them more often than family.

I really wasn't affected because I hadn't listened to his music in years, but I felt sad for his children. Then I saw his old videos, it just brought back how talented he was and it reminded me that he tried to bring attention to some important issues.
What I think is really sad is the ways people seem to have used him while he was alive and they're still using him in death. I think the media coverage was too much after ignoring and making fun of him for so long.

I'm in the same boat as Kaya Cassan. I am no fanatic but I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and he was the reason why I loved music. He was a huge part of my childhood, with all those fond memories of mimicking his moves and singing along. Now that he's gone, I feel as though a part of me has died. I too, cried when I heard the devastating news and am still grieving. But at least now, he can finally rest in peace, because he truly deserves it. He is in a much happier and better place.

I just wrote about MJ's death. He reminded me of my childhood. His music has been the theme song to my life from birth until now. I literally cried when he died. I think because he reminded me of a time when my life was simplistic, young and free. And, I know my view point is from the heart because I rarely watch television.

We are so profoundly affected because we are taught to be this way due to all the media exposure surrounding celebrities. However, the personal effect it has on us varies by how personally "affected" we were by said celebrity. I remember distinctly the day that I found out about Kurt Cobain because my friend called & told me to wear black because he was dead. (This was in the days before text messages & cell phones) However, when I got the text message that Michael Jackson was dead, I didn't believe it. I do feel a certain sadness for him, because he had such a messed up life but as for crying, no, I won't do that. I am saddened for his family & true friends but mostly sad that he was never able to "straighten out" his life & that he died such a mess...

I do think the media spends too much time on such issues, that being said, I think it affects many of us due to the moments in our lives that it brings us back to. I saw Michael Jackson when he was just starting out with the Jackson 5 and later when he was about 17. The music reminds me of an innocent time when live was as simple as ABC.

I'll probably cause a bunch of yelling and hollering with this comment but the absolute waste of time that is spent by the news media yaking about the situation is rediculous -- to say the least. I have done my best to ignore the whole thing as time wasted by the news casters. They make such a big deal out of it -- they'd be lucky if I were in front of the camera to give minutes to the problem and move on to a good car chase through the middle of downtown LA! Even this is a waste of time!

I think it has to do with their 'art'. All types of art affect us, be it cinema, music, writing, or visual and performing arts - we can be very moved by the one or more that resonates inside us. I think it only natural that we connect in some spiritual way with the author, performer, creator of such works. I am sad that Michael Jackson is gone, I am also sad that Stegner is gone too. And, don't even get me started on the many musicians that have passed before their time. We may not know these people in the conventional sense, but something they did plucked a string in our hearts that kept ringing.

I don't know why we get so sad when a celebrity dies, perhaps because they touch us in more ways than we realise.
I asked myself this same question after I heard that Michael Jackson was dead. I don't know him personally but I was so sad, the only reason I didn't cry was because I figured that what would his family to do if I, an outsider was crying. It's just so sad, it makes one realise some more that the only thing certain is death, we just don't know when. I was sad about Farrah Fawcett too, but then I knew she was ill so it wasn't so much of a shocker. May God bless them both and may their souls rest in peace.

We identify with celebrities through their stories. For example, Michael Jackson touched the hearts of many
people at an extremely young age and a lot of people either grew up with him or watched him grow up.
They were able to identify with him because he started out just like them with parents struggling trying
to make ends meet. Farrah Fawcett had the hair and style that the girls wanted in the 70’s and 80’s when
they are trying to find their identities. Whether celebrities are considered mentors or forms of inspiration
everyone should have someone in their life that allows them to feel hopeful. When a celebrity that you have identified with has given you hope and inspiration passes forward it’s like a family member has passed forward.

I think the death of a high profile person reminds us of our own mortality. We cannot believe someone that has entertained us or made some impact upon our lives will die. We tend to view celebrities as larger than life and somewhat immortal. When a celebrity has health issues, personal problems or normal things happen in their lives, we are reminded they are just regular people, not shielded from the world and problems and everyday life.

I think it is really sad when anyone dies, but some people take it a bit far. I get that people like celebrities and somehow feel connected to them, but you do not personally know these people. Try cry hysterically like your mother died over someone you have not even met is just weird. When Princess Diana died I watched her funeral, and I got teary eyed at 1 point. The ONLY reason I did get teary eyed was because I was watching those 2 young boys walking behind their mother's casket, and I felt really sad for them. I was not crying because she was dead. Like I said I completely understand being sad. It is a sad thing, but to let it affect you on such a deep level is wrong.

I think that part of it has to do with that it reminds us of a certain part of our lives. I know, for me, Michael Jackson's music was huge part of me growing up. Certain songs remind me vividly of certain times in my life. I also remember watching Charlie's Angels when I was younger, and wanting to be like Farrah Fawcett. Even though you don't know these people personally, you have seen them or heard their music many times. All of a sudden, you realize that there will never be a new song by Michael Jackson, or you'll never see another television show or interview with Farrah Fawcett. And that is sad to think about. Also, I think as with anyone, you feel for their families and close friends.

Undoubtedly, it's the celebrity contribution to the world that causes us to react so profoundly to his/her death. We come to know celebrities through their celebrity status and never really through their personal status so when their tragic death unfolds we immediately reflect on that particular or those particular moments in the spotlight that binded us to them. We actually relive those moments which brings the tragic figure full frontal in our thoughts and it is at that moment where we connect with them in a personal way as "death" allows us all to connect personally through grief.... we are able to share in one another grief. Tragic death, more so than expected death, forces us to think of our own mortality. I too was indeed saddened to learn of Michael Jackson's death. Michael, with all of his issues, was a very talented performer. He was truly an entertainer. He earned and deserved the title "King of Pop". Hopefully, his music will continue to inspire long after his death

I always rooted for michal,even throgh the bad times of his.I grew old and grey and fat.Michal looked about the same as when he was young.I introduced his music to my grand and we would dance togather.after several glasses of whitwine,M. and i would dance togather in my living room when my husband went out of town.hubbie hates my music.I reall wanted M. to make a comeback becuz y see,i wanted to make a come back too.So I feel really cheated.The only person I can think of my age to make a come back was William Shatner. nahI dont want to use him as role model.Also,I think the Jacksons really had bad childhoods,so who didnt but I can empathise

For people to say that they are not effected by a celebrities death is not being cold, they just weren't effected by them in their lifetime. I was profoundly effected by certain losses, however, not so by others. If the personality has special meaning to my life, then of course, I too, needed to go through the natural course of mourning. For instance, the memories...Michael Jackson music reminds me of college, a fight with my boyfriend, a picnic with my sorority sisters...there are memories attached to particular songs. This is what comes flooding back to me when I hear these songs, and thus, the reason for my sadness. No I've never met MJ, yes I'll get beyond this, but to criticize people for feeling sadness, for shedding a tear, for turning a cold shoulder when someone needs to feel...is just rude. When someone is taken from us suddenly, family member or celebrity, we are entitled to feel pain, mourn and grow from the experience. I know I have and I will again. Greatness was lost.

My thoughts are that some people do not have a life and they live their lives through celebs and some wish they had the lives of celebs even though they may have a wonderful life. I am in my 50's so I have been through the Elvis stage, Beatles, Madonna, Brittany and many one named celeb. I have seen the Brad Pitts and George Cloneys and you name it. I admire they talent and even have enjoyed their movies. And, like many women, I think some of them are cute beyone anything else. But, I don't think what they do is anymore than a JOB. Hey, it is a great JOB but still a JOB. And, if I was a celeb and I had the money they make, it would never make up for not having my privacy. That is one thing I would never give up. So, they have to live with it if they want to be in the limelight. Many do not, and I praise thier choice. So, if someone wants to watch t.v. all day to see who did what to who and when they did it, fine. I rather be entertained when I watch t.v. for the few hours I get to.

For me when a legend passes away it is as if a big part of our life passes by us, too. I have been here to see JFK, Princess Di, John Lennon, MJ and Farrah and so many others pass away; yet, we do go on even though life is a bit sadder without them. All of our memories of those times in our lives when they were around and suddenly they are gone makes one think of their own mortality.

For me they were role models in what they did. The searched for a goal, set out to meet it and did. I can still remember buying the Farrah Fawcett t-shirt for a field trip and since I am a woman(girl then) I always thought what would people say. I was like I don't care she is pretty so why not, I also wanted the feathered hair as well, being African-American and saying this is like saying you want to be White. I over looked that, never got the feather but still I admired her so. For me Stevie Wonder was the man Boogie On Reggae woman was my song but I still jammed to Mike and his brothers songs. I felt sad for him as the years went by and he had his transformation. I always wished that I could have been that friend that said NO! you cannot do that because that is what true friends. They do not just say it to themselves and not do anything. His loneliness is what I am most sad about. Along with people talking about his kids like they are pets to be divided...Be Blessed MIKE!

For me his death was shocking. I was definitely a fan back in the day. I would not have paid to see him in concert......BUT.....I would've paid to see the Jackson REUNION tour, that they were supposed to do, and canceled. MJ and the Jackson 5 is nostaligic, and the memories....oh the memories...of those songs, and the Jackson 5 cartoon on Saturday morning.....takes me back. I could go on, and on. I think....because we think we know celebrities...and their music, tv shows, etc. touched so many people....that the public feels such a tremendous loss. I'm a sista....and I sure had the farrah fawcett flip, with a part down the middle of my head....ok....lol. Also, I think that when 'old school' celebrities start dying....it's like the last of the "mohicans" the last of the great talents.....The "images".....because I can't call it "talent".....i just can't.....that's out there now..can't hold a candle to these once talented entertainers....but I'm glad he's out of his misery&pain.

Our favorite celebrities become a part of our lives. Their presence enriches our lives and sometimes even makes up for what we feel we don’t have. The music, movies, and other performances of celebrities help us make sense of our own lives. Over time, celebrities in a sense become a part of us. As such we share their lives, and they are in a sense, family members, just ones who never show up at family reunions. Then when our idols die, we lose a part of ourselves. It is then perhaps that we are even more saddened by the reminder of our own mortality.

I am crushed. I can't picture my early tween years without MJ! He made me want to dance. I am older now and haven't been a real fan for years, but when he died I felt that all over again. He is a legend and the world will never see another like him :(

It's my childhood. Michael Jackson was one of many soundtracks I grew up with and who didn't want Farrah's hair? It reminds me of my own mortality. When people you grew up with, your own generation, begin to die it is sobering.

Being that I'm am not, never was and probably never will be a huge MJ fan, when I found out I really wasn't affected much. I mean, it is tragic of course when anyone dies but that's life, people die. A lot of my friends are crying and telling me I'm heartless for feeling that way I guess because I'm black, was born in the 80s and am also very into the music scene that I'm SUPPOSED to feel something but I don't. I actually grew up listening to and following Prince so I don't share the attachment to Michael Jackson like most people in my age range. However, I understand how he affected so many people's lives in different ways and I respect that. I have my own personal opinions about Michael Jackson that I will not share here because of my respect for other people's feelings however I definitely DO NOT wish death on anyone. He was still young, only 50 and being that my parents are both only 2 years from 50, it makes me worry more about their health than anything.

I grew up watching Jackson Five and Osmonds on Ed Sillavan show. Donny was a few months older then me and Micheal was a few months younger. Then i have 4 kids and they listened to Micheal and i have 7 grandkids ands most of them listened to him. I still liked hearing him sing and dance. As I've watched the news I have felt like some of my past has died with him. Micheal will be missed,he was a great enterainer.

When someone is a public figure there comes a feeling of "knowing" that person. You've seen interviews, watched them perform, followed their successes ... and failures, know the name of their kids, etc. The untimely deaths of both Farrah and MJ are shocking given the legendary status of both individuals. Their names of part of our cultural vernacular and collective memory. Losing figures that had such profound influences on music, women in media, and, let's be honest - sequined vests and 80s hair - touches all of us both personally and as a society forever changed by their contributions.

As a child of the 80's, it almost seemed like Michael Jackson was part of the soundtrack and wallpaper of my life. I remember being freaked out by Thriller, watching the 'Black or White' video, and I always LOVED Captain E-O at Epcot center. He always seemed so profoundly troubled and sad, and I really felt sympathy for him, as someone who was denied a childhood and forced into celebrity as a young age. When someone's music or career touches our life, it almost feels like they're a friend, and we feel that loss.

As much as I didn't care for MJ's music, it was omnipresent during my adolescence and brings me back every time I hear it. I've never been more thankful for his tunes.

For me, it's because they each were such a huge part of my growing-up years. I was a child of the 70s and a teenager of the 80s; every little girl I knew in the mid-70s played Charlie's Angels, and every little girl wanted to be Jill/Farrah. (Though, as a brunette I eventually resigned myself to being Kelly/Jaclyn.) I had the famous Farrah poster hanging in my room and I can remember trying to style my hair look like hers. I hate that she suffered through cancer, but I love that her legacy won't be her hair, but her bravery in sharing her pain with the world to somehow make that pain easier for others. I roller skated to Rock With You and Off the Wall, and my 14th birthday party was arranged around the MTV world premiere video of "Thriller." Michael Jackson music is a huge part of my life soundtrack. It's a sad loss...RIP MJ and Farrah.

I was surprised at how much MJ's death affected me personally - it affected my entire day and I felt a real loss. But even as it was happening, I was trying to figure out why. Then, I heard someone say that when an icon of your youth dies, it's like a part of your inner child dies, too. Thriller was my first record and MJ was my first musical idol. I have a terrible memory, but have lots of MJ memories. I think I took it so hard because I am a musician myself and feel a deep connection to music; plus, he was such a tragic figure. I always felt for him. He was one of a kind and will be missed tremendously.