From film stars and musicians to athletes and influencers, celebrities are a special part of our existence. We connect deeply with many of our favourite public figures, even though we have never personally met them. Their triumphs make us happy, their hardships make us sympathize, and their losses feel as painful as losing a good friend. But why do we bond with celebrities on an emotional level in such a deep way, and why do their deaths hurt us on a personal level?

The Strength of Familiarity and Continuity

Part of the reason we identify with celebrities is their ubiquitous presence in our lives. Through films, television programs, music, interviews, and social media, celebrities become a regular fixture in our daily lives. We see them on our television screens, listen to their voices in our popular songs, and learn about their personal lives through interviews or social media posts.

As time passes, this exposure develops a sense of familiarity—almost like they belong to our social networks. The more we encounter or hear from someone, the more we believe we know them. This psychological effect, called the “mere exposure effect,” accounts for the fact that we feel such an affinity with public figures. However, they do not have any personal connection with us.

Shared Feelings and Personal Influence

Celebrities tend to influence our feelings and experiences in important ways. Our favourite actor might have appeared in a film that guided us through a trying moment. The lyrics of a favourite singer might have offered solace when we were lost or feeling alone. Sports figures and performers motivate us with their commitment and determination.

Since their performance affects our feelings, we become personally invested in them. When a celebrity talks candidly about mental illness, addiction, or personal issues, it strikes a chord in fans who have experienced the same things. It gives us a feeling of shared experience—we recognize bits and pieces of ourselves in their experiences, so they feel more like ours.

The Illusion of One-Sided Relationship

Psychologists refer to the emotional connection between celebrities and fans as a parasocial relationship—a one-way bond in which an individual feels emotionally connected with someone who has no idea they exist. Such relationships aren’t delusional or unhealthy; they can actually be comforting, motivational, and conducive to a feeling of belonging.

Parasocial relationships may be particularly intense for viewers who deeply immerse themselves in a celebrity’s content. Seeing them in interviews, reading their biographies, and monitoring their private lives can give us the sense that we know them better. Though not reciprocated, parasocial relationships serve social and emotional needs like friendships do.

For others, celebrity death serves as a reminder of time slipping away and personal recollections. The songs of a favourite musician remind us of high school, a favourite TV show as a child reminds us of family movie nights, and the work of a favourite actor reminds us of times of hardship. When they die, it is as if a piece of our past dies with them. I can personally resonate with this feeling as I was sorrowful when my favourite actor ‘Mathew Perry’ passed away. I saw him on the famous American sitcom ‘FRIENDS’, and that’s when I became his devoted fan. I have recently read a book named ‘Remembering Mathew Perry’ written by Darlene Beasecker, a die-hard fan of the late actor. The book mentions the grief and sorrow felt by the author and the impact of the late actor’s life on the audience.

Also, some fans mourn collectively. Social media enables millions of individuals to post their sorrow, share stories, and commemorate the celebrity’s life. This public mourning process makes our feelings legitimate and confirms that we are not alone in feeling this way.

The Legacy Continues

Even though celebrities die, their impact lives on through their creations. Films, music, literature, and performances last as a way for fans to return to and celebrate their legacy. Others pay their respects by giving to causes they support, donating to charity in their name, or spreading their positive influence to others.

Though the emotional connection with celebrities is unilateral, it is real and significant. They are present in our lives to bring us comfort, inspiration, and happiness. The feeling of connection we experience with them testifies to the strength of storytelling, creativity, and human bonding—showing that even those we have never encountered can make a lasting impact on our hearts.