Whose death would cause the greatest stir?

I'd have to say Queen Elizabeth because she has been a world leader for about six decades. When a pope dies, it's obviously huge globally, but I don't think Benedict's passing would have that big of an impact because he hasn't been in the position all that long and was pushing 80 when he got it.

 

Yeah but in Russian years 80 is like 110.

 

20s and 30s? why?

 

Celebrity-wise, Betty White, because of her late-career resurgence. She's beloved across generations.

 

Ali is 70 and in poor health. I don't think there are too many people worldwide whose death would be mourned more.

 

Mine.

 

Dick Clark as well... I think his death would be taken pretty hard by people in their 60s and 70s, among others...

 

The over-80 requirement takes some of the steam out of the discussion; a death at that age isn't unexpected. Open it up to maybe over-65, you get the unexpected 'too soons'.....Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger...

But if you're talking over 80, definitely the queen, just for the historical significance a coronation.

 

I saw the "Over 80 or known to be in poor health..."

 

I think it will be interesting to see who is a bigger deal, Jagger or McCartney. I guess it depends how old each one is when he goes. But all things being equal, it's interesting to debate who is the bigger pop culture icon. McCartney's band was slightly bigger. But Jagger was the clear face of his, while McCartney was 1A.

 

If by stir you mean "chance for epic social change" I'd go with Justice Scalia, if it happened in the next few months.

 

Both will be huge deals, but I think McCartney is probably the more beloved of the two because of his charity work and whatnot...