Originally posted on 02/02/2014:

Guy was versatile and a titan in his field.

Any time someone famous dies, it causes a spontaneous outpouring of memories and the reminder of mortality for everyone. Musicians tend to bring you back to your romantic youth. Athletes bring us back to championships or moments of glory etc.

Movies are an escape, and a great actor is part of that escape. Of course people will be shocked and care - regardless of how the person died.

It brings people together.

It also brings out trolls (Sam Odom).