Popular celebrities have tons of fans worldwide, and those who are very popular have unknowingly touched many lives. "Friends" star Matthew Perry's death recently made headlines, and experts explained his fans' reaction to the devastating news.
Why People Mourn Celebrities They Don't Know?
Millions of "Friends" fans are grieving after learning that one of its main cast members, Matthew Perry, passed away over the weekend. Many took to social media and shared clips of them crying, prompting some experts to speak about the issue and the public's reaction to Perry's death.
Therapist Aneisa Hanson, Ph.D., said people's relationships with celebrities differ from their everyday relationships. The expert noted that our emotional connection to a powerful someone stems from our desire for that person's support during pivotal times in our lives. Since we didn't get to meet them in person, it's more likely that we are drawn to their idea rather than their actual person.
According to Hanson, we often use fond memories of their lives to immortalize them since we form a distant link. Celebrities not only play a part in our developmental stages, but they frequently play the role of the mentor or support system we were lacking.
"We turn to them for support and they become part of our lives. When they die, a little part of us dies too," she continued.
Psychotherapist Adam Koenig added that we have this culture where "fame provides at least symbolic immortality." When a popular personality dies, it reminds everyone that death is inevitable and no one can escape it.
Additionally, celebrities can pave the way for others to find their identity and connect with those who enjoy the same music or celebrity. Thus, there is an attachment to their favorite celebrities, and when they pass away, fans mourn because they have to readjust their view of themselves following the death.
"We might even feel as if a part of us died when they did, possibly even creating an identify crisis," Koenig said.
@_rustypaperclip_ heartbroken. #matthewperry #chandlerbing #friends #rip ♬ I'll Be There for You (TV Version with Dialogue) - The Rembrandts
@justintaite This show will never be the same again… rip Matthew Perry ♬ original sound - Justin Taite
Matthew Perry Dead
Matthew Perry became famous after starring in the NBC television sitcom "Friends," which aired from 1994 to 2004. He played the character of Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), and Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani).
Perry was found unconscious in a stan-alone jacuzzi at his residence on Oct. 28. His cause of death was listed as "deferred" because it couldn't be determined at the time of autopsy.
In his book "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir," Perry opened up about his addiction struggles and recovery. He was battling addiction at the height of his career on "Friends."
Fans flooded social media with heartfelt messages, expressing their love for the late actor. Many also left flowers and notes outside the "Friends" apartment in New York City. The Bedford Street building was used for the exterior shot in Friends even though it was never used for filming; as a result, it quickly became a famous tourist destination.
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