Over the last five years, we have seen many changes in the world of entertainment, both in television and movies, and music. For every story that has been heard about various celebrities, none have been more shocking than the news a celebrity has passed away, especially ones who are still young. Fans who were rocked by these tragic deaths are still able to hear and watch the music and/or shows that their beloved celebrity was in, but their untimely deaths continue to leave them in a sense of mourning.

With many of the tragic deaths that have befallen these celebrities, we can take a lesson from their lives, how they lived, and the legacy that lives on. Whether they spent their entire lives educating people, such as Maya Angelou, or had demons they had trouble facing, such as Cory Monteith, they all deserve to be mourned for the impact they had on our lives.

In tribute to the celebrities who have tragically left us in the past five years, we look back at their legacy and what they left behind.

Photo Credit: INFphoto.com

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10. Michael Clarke Duncan

The actor known for his role on The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan passed away in 2012 due to respiratory failure. His imposing figure made him perfect for many roles, but he has always been known for his smile. At his memorial service, Jay Leno described Duncan as always being happy in a business where everyone else was not.

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9. Whitney Houston

After years of struggling with addictions, singer Whitney Houston passed away. At her funeral, words by T.D. Jakes described the feeling that death won by taking away someone you loved, but that the love you have been given through knowing them will last. Whitney’s family, friends, and fans will always remember and love her for her accomplishments and the love she provided them. The below clip is a tribute performance by singers Jordin Sparks and John Legend during the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.

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8. Amy Winehouse

Singer Amy Winehouse passed away in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning. She struggled with alcohol, but she was known for hits such as Rehab. Winehouse won five Grammys during her all too short time here and she will be remembered by her fans. Her death at only 27 reminds us not to take life for granted. Here is a tribute to Amy Winehouse given at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

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7. Philip Seymour Hoffman

Earlier this year, Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away at age 46 as a result of drug intoxication. Unfortunately, many celebrities have battled addiction and with that come a lot of stigma. But it’s important to remember what has been left behind by the people who will miss them most, such as Hoffman’s family, friends, and the other celebrities who worked with him.

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6. Michael Jackson

In 2009, the world was shocked when Michael Jackson died after being found unconscious in his home. Lots of controversy has come due his death and while his life was filled with controversy, Jackson was known for working for causes to help people in other parts of the world. Below is a tribute that was done for Jackson at the Video Music Awards, in which his sister Janet took part.

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5. Cory Monteith

Fans of the Glee actor were shocked and heartbroken when the 31-year-old actor tragically passed away as a result of a heroin overdose. Having played quarterback Finn Hudson for four years, Monteith opened up about his struggles with addiction when he was growing up. Before his death, he had checked into rehab after a relapse. Though Monteith struggled with demons, he always cared about his fans, friends, and family. He taught us to go for our dreams and to not give up. The clip below shows Jane Lynch’s tribute to Monteith at the 2013 Emmy Awards.

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4. Paul Walker

In late 2013, another tragic loss occurred when Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker passed away after a devastating car crash. He had just attended a charity event hours before his death. His ‘Charity Reach Out Worldwide’ was centered on providing help for people in areas where natural disasters hit. Walker’s friends remembered him as a great person. His co-star Jordana Brewster paid tribute to him at the MTV awards in 2014.

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3. Nelson Mandela

While Nelson Mandela passed away at age 95 and had accomplished many things as he worked against apartheid in South Africa, Mandela is remembered for the hard work he did in order to make a change in his country. He brought attention to issues that plagued the people of his country and his leadership and bravery will always be remembered. While she was still alive, Maya Angelou made a tribute poem for the leader.

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2. Maya Angelou

As an author, actress, poet, and educator, Dr. Maya Angelou shared her work with the world for years until her death in May of 2014. Her words spoke about the incredible human spirit and the heart of things such as generosity and giving. She will always be remembered for her writings and poetry that will live on for generations.

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1. Robin Williams

Robin Williams passed away only two weeks ago and his death still leaves questions. In his darkest moments, Robin Williams still made his family, friends, and fans sparkle with laughter. He had a gift for making everyone who met him smile and he is remembered for the laughter and humor he brought to our lives for years. At the 2014 Emmy awards, Billy Crystal memorialized him, saying “For almost 40 years, he was the brightest star in the comedy galaxy.”