Psychologist explains why we react so strongly when a celebrity dies

Many of us have mourned someone we've never met

Fans around the world have mourned the tragic news about the death of James Earl Jones, the popular actor whose death was announced yesterday.

Tributes from all around the world have poured in as people look back at his brilliant career, in which he was best known for his work as the voice of Darth Vader and Musafa in The Lion King.

The cinema legend also starred in Field of Dreams, Dr Strangelove and The Hunt for Red October, as well as a host of Broadway shows.

Jones was one of a few actors to earn the coveted EGOT status. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy, a Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, and was given an Honorary Academy Award for his career.

While many didn't know Jones personally, many have still been affected by the sad news and a psychologist has explained why we feel these emotions when it comes to celebrity deaths.

Mental health expert Tom Kersting told Reader's Digest: "For example, Tom Petty’s passing can trigger past memories of his songs that can take a person back to that specific time in life.

"An actor’s death can bring back memories of a movie he or she did, triggering memories from that time in your own life."

Kersting also provided some advice for those struggling with the news of Jones's death, adding that people should "be grateful for the positive memories and fixate on that rather than on the sadness".

Additionally, he added that while some people may not understand the reasons behind your grief, it doesn't make them any less valid and if you begin find the grief overwhelming, don't shy away from seeking professional help.