Michael Jackson, also known as the King of Pop; Whitney Houston, well-known as the Pop Princess; Nelson Mandela, the iconic civil rights leader and former president of South Africa. These names are just a few of the world renowned celebrities and heroes who have met the end of their lives in 2013. Every year, leaders and beloved celebrities meet their deaths. How these icons die varies-from medical complications to old age, from accident to overdose-but one thing remains: their deaths matter. There are, however several factors that separate the celebrities from the icons.

Whitney Houston was a celebrity who traveled the world and performed in several countries. This makes her a celebrity. Nelson Mandela was brought up in a third-world country and fought to bring peace and love to his community then, his country, then, ultimately, the world. Nelson Mandela was an icon. James Avery, also known as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was one of entertainment’s most humorous figures. The running gag that made him famous for his part as Uncle Phil was throwing Jazz (played by DJ Jazzy Jeff) out of his house. James Avery was a celebrity. Michael Jackson performed all over the world and, while he made several scandalous mistakes in his career, the love and compassion he put in his music was no mistake. Michael Jackson was an icon. Paul Walker was a movie star; he was all about action and starred in the Fast and Furious film series before ultimately meeting his end in a car crash, somewhat of a fitting end for an action-paced movie star. Paul Walker was a celebrity.

Whether it is a popular celebrity that the media cannot leave alone for even a minute or an icon that worked to bring change to world, we must remember that these prominent, big-name figures are still human, and, as it must to all men, death will eventually come to them. These figures performed for, led, and entertained people around the world, and for that they will not be forgotten.