Future death, that is, and not just because you’re in the pool.
From past experience, my mom was hit hard by John Wayne, her childhood hero. As an adult, I know I was astounded when River Phoenix died, especially of a drug overdose. Just. Could. Not. Be. Yanno? Then, although I wasn’t a royal watcher or anything, the seemingly back-to-back demise of both Princess Di and JFK, Jr. knocked me for the proverbial loop. Now I’m just digging in my heels to be prepared for some of my favorites, when the time comes.
Like, say, Dustin Hoffman, who’ll be 70 next year and although that isn’t very old, he’s a lot further along in life than I realized. Furthermore, I’ll be absolutely devastated when my rock gods aren’t here anymore… like Steven Tyler (who holds numero uno position) or Alice Cooper (a close second). So, all that said, who break your heart when the reaper comes calling? And why do you feel that way? Are they a life-long favorite or someone you just really admire for a certain ethic? How about them being your first crush or such?
Give me more than simply my own potential sorrows to worry about.
When Bruce Springsteen passes I shall truly mourn. Ditto Dylan. Of the Hollywood crowd, I think the one that will impact me the most will be Clint Eastwood. Too much talent, and none of it wasted. He has accepted and embraced aging, and worked with what he has at each stage of life. A true giant.
I didn’t do friends very well as an adolescent, but waiting for his next album did very well as a Goal to Keep Living For[sup]TM[/sup]. He’s taken on one musical genre after another and left them all more … well, Dylanish. He’s unique.
Agreed about Bob Dylan. So much influence on contemporary music.
I’ll be really upset when the last Beatle dies (whether it’s Paul or Ringo) because the group influenced my musical tastes so much.
However, I think the death that will upset me the most is an author I’ve barely read. I couldn’t even make it all the way through his most popular book, and haven’t touched his others.
Oh, also for me (because she was almost born the same year as Mr. Tyler and Cooper) would be Meryl Streep. I think she was one of my first great love affairs with an actress of monumental talent.
I’m not sure I can play, as the persons whom I don’t know about but would still grieve don’t fit the usual definition of celebrity. I mean, Pay Conroy, Valerie Martin, Mary Gaitskill, and Donna Tartt can all walk down the street without being recognized, I’m sure. I 'spose I’d mourn Alyson Hannigan if she died tomorrow, but not for more than ten seconds; mere hotness does not equal tragedy.
In the music world, Ian Anderson, Roger Waters, and David Gilmour will freak me out upon their demise.
Richard Dean Anderson will freak me out, actor wise… he was my first celebrity crush back when he was on MacGuyver.
The world will dim a bit when I have to face the grim mortal reality that Terry Pratchett will write no new books. (Unless his writing turns all crappy before that or something. But even if that happens, it will still be sad.)
I’ve thought about this before with other people but can’t remember who they are. As in, I have from time to time thought “wow, I’ll freak out when So And So dies!”
Don’t worry Skald, I’m never stringent in my threads about what qualifies. As long as they’re a celebrity to you, then your input is welcome here.
I also forgot to add someone that’s been huge in my life and the literary world that will bowl me over when the time comes… Stephen King. I almost fainted when he was hit by that van, so even that didn’t prepare me. I shudder to think of anything worse.
I was pretty upset when I was in middle school and Chris Farley died. Right now it would be Anthony Hopkins especially now that he’s getting on in years. I second the poster that mentioned Stephen King.
Bob Barker. He’s a childhood institution to me. Not to mention the fact that, as a fan of game shows, his passing will reduce the big game shows back down to Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy (not counting the passing fads like Deal or No Deal).
