Social media has become the first place many of us hear about breaking news. This is perhaps most evident when someone famous dies. Word spreads fast and memories and reminiscences are shared. Here are twenty notables who were remembered on Twitter after their passing in 2014.
1. “Unbroken” World War II hero and Olympian Louis Zamperini
R.I.P. Olympian, WWII hero, Louis Zamperini: 'What a life' [pics] http://t.co/30Z1frtcEE
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) July 4, 2014
2. Former White House Press Secretary James Brady
'Personified courage and decency': Former WH Press Secretary James Brady has died http://t.co/L7896Ohpz9
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 4, 2014
3. Former Ohio congressman James Traficant
'A Youngstown original’: Former Ohio congressman James Traficant dies http://t.co/HPd5edSMIv
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 27, 2014
4. Television announcer Don Pardo
'End of an era': 'Icon and legend' announcer Don Pardo has died at age 96 http://t.co/qvHcnAmjBL
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 19, 2014
5. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
IDF, Netanyahu remember former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, dead at 85 [pic] http://t.co/FZKisYVdVU
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 11, 2014
6. Former DC Mayor Marion Barry
Marion Barry has died http://t.co/RH9wfRcgpp
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) November 23, 2014
7. Actor James Garner
Actor James Garner has died http://t.co/W2Ootmy1FY
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) July 20, 2014
8. Actor James Avery
James Avery, 'Uncle Phil' on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has died http://t.co/LSzXRkl6Wo
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 1, 2014
9. “Car Talk” radio host Tom Magliozzi
'An American institution': Listeners mourn passing of 'Car Talk's' Tom Magliozzi http://t.co/7T6pf9QzQ5
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) November 3, 2014
10. Legendary disk jockey Casey Kasem
R.I.P. Casey Kasem: 'American Top 40' radio legend dead at 82 http://t.co/ca6LZFEnGU
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) June 15, 2014
11. R&B singer Bobby Womack
Celebs mourn legendary R&B singer Bobby Womack http://t.co/YtIqPhvrnN
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) June 28, 2014
12. Actor-director Harold Ramis
'Who am I going to call now?' Fans mourn death of actor-director Harold Ramis http://t.co/INn3w2BFUs
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) February 24, 2014
13. Comedian Sid Caesar
'Privileged to be one of his writers & friends': Mel Brooks mourns loss of 'giant' Sid Caesar http://t.co/Cq6RK0Akfo
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) February 13, 2014
14. Actress Shirley Temple Black
Death of legendary actress Shirley Temple Black inspires fond memories, drink-related confusion http://t.co/QYIj5I7jFq
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) February 11, 2014
15. Actress Marcia Strassman
R.I.P.: Marcia Strassman, star of 'Welcome Back Kotter,' dies at 66 http://t.co/XtSolA0czc
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) October 27, 2014
16. Actor Meshach Taylor
R.I.P.: 'Respected' actor and 'beloved friend' Meshach Taylor remembered http://t.co/yRL5GvXrZ2
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) June 29, 2014
17. Actor Eli Wallach
R.I.P.: Fans pay tribute to legendary movie badass Eli Wallach [photos, video] http://t.co/D2ASaNEnGG
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) June 25, 2014
18. Actor Richard Kiel
RIP: 'Gentle giant' actor Richard Kiel dies at 74 [pics, video] http://t.co/eInnHKRQOH
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 11, 2014
19. Comedian Joan Rivers
'She was fearless': Joan Rivers has passed away at 81 http://t.co/XpQRU609gW
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 4, 2014
20. Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy
S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, dies at 93 http://t.co/GjWewS9Cbu
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) September 8, 2014
21. Actor and comedian Robin Williams
Awful news: Actor/comedian Robin Williams reportedly committed suicide http://t.co/RnYbB40sQS
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 11, 2014
Rest in peace.
Editor’s note: This post was updated to include Twitchy’s post on the death of Robin Williams.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member