Celebrities are called stars for a reason. Their work gives our lives meaning. Books open
minds, films spark creativity, music feeds our souls. They remind us that greatness is
possible. We idolize them and hold them above everyday people. Our attention gives
them their shine. If we’re lucky, sometimes they shine back at us. We pin our dreams and
imaginings upon them. In return, they inspire us to be better everyday people.
Many of us can pinpoint a time when our lives were changed forever by a film or a band.
Fandom is in our lifeblood. It is part of who we are. Our stars are our heroes. Their
works, and sometimes they themselves, become imprinted upon our hearts and become
part of our very collective being. Their stories become our stories. What we share is
bigger than any one of us. What we share is us.
When we lose part of that collective it is felt by every single one of us. We all the cry the
same no matter who we are. Our grief is real because the connection is real. Maybe not to the celebrity directly, but to what they represent. Their presence in our lives, however
distant or small, is felt by us in a very significant way. They are a part of us, because they
are us. And when a loss hits us, all of our hearts break.
People who love horror love it with all the passion in their hearts. Today, our hearts are
hurting. Today, what we share is grief. We will all find our own ways to mourn and heal.
Please take comfort in knowing you are not alone. I know I do.
In loving memory of George A. Romero
Godfather of horror, visionary icon, and hero.
