Every generation has the public figures that shaped them. The celebrities they grew up watching and listening to, the personalities they looked up to, and the people influencing their cultural movements.
Unfortunately for Gen X, many of those people are getting up there in years and others have passed already.
As selected by Gen X'ers, here are the celebrity deaths that hit them the hardest.
1
George Carlin
The voice of every angsty Gen X’er unhappy with society, Carlin deeply examined the human condition. Many credit his work with acting as a secondary mentor or father figure.
2
Betty White
Living until 99 years old, it felt like she'd be around forever. The darling of countless movies, nobody was more broadly loved than Betty White.
3
Kurt Cobain
As the voice of music that inspired a generation, he left way too soon.
4
John Candy
“Candy hit really hard. I remember being on a trip with my family and my grandpa walked into the hotel room and broke the news. I started crying, and to this day no celebrity death has hit me harder.”
5
Tom Petty
“The loss of Tom Petty was unexpected and crushing to my youth. I didn't listen to him any more than when he came on the radio, but for some crazy reason, his did me in. I have no explanation.”
6
Chris Farley
“I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard it on the radio. Me and my friends were all big fans.”
7
David Bowie
“I think he was one of the pillars holding the world up.”
8
Alan Rickman
Whether for his role in the Harry Potter franchise, Die Hard, or any of countless other roles, his death felt like the end of an era.
9
Robin Williams
Whether through his comedy or acting chops, Robin Williams touched everyone who saw him work. He took roles that inspired people to be better. The thought of him taking his own life is heartbreaking.
10
John Ritter
“John Ritter comes to mind. I met him at a show in LA. He then included me in his conversation and was very kind and gracious, I never forgot it.”
11
Adam Yauch "MCA"
“The Beasties were our generation’s Beatles. It didn't matter what music you liked or who you hung out with. In high school, EVERYONE loved the Beasties.”
12
Steve Irwin
After doing so many dangerous things for so many years, it was shocking that died to an animal OFF screen.
13
Mitch Hedberg
“I used to miss Mitch. I still do, but I used to!”
14
Phil Hartman
“Phil Hartman was so tragic and shocking. Who would have ever imagined his wife would kill them both? Absolutely tragic.”
