They were a noticeable impact on our society either on the screen or on paper, they made themselves famous, they give other people hope that they too can become one of the many who achieve greatness. They are role models for what we can achieve as individuals, and what we can do when we have the will and the drive to chase our dreams.
Patronize me all you want, David Bowie was an impact on my childhood and was one of the major reasons I am pursuing a career to bring joy to people.
In other words, show some respect for a man who has achieved more in an hour than your dick has in it's entire existence.