Why not? These were important people who had major accomplishments who had great impact on every one of our lives. What's the point of mentioning it? Oh, just that they DIED. And what they did for us. That's all. If you can't understand that then I will fail again to get this accepted as a post, thanks to the waaaaaaaay-over caring of the Mods here. That's another story though.
So. Some people can just stay under a rock and worship those close to them, their family. Fine. Most of us don't live under a rock and realize what impact a lot of people have on our lives. And we HONOR their passing. Whether some people like it or not.
I don't really see how an actor or a musician could have a greater impact on my life than a member of my family or close friend, but that's me. Personally I see it as a look at me post. To each his own.