But in the decade before his death in a tragic hit-and-run accident in 1981, he became a converted Maoist.
Its plot revolved around a tragic hit-and-run road accident that resulted in the death of a father and two small daughters.
This Christmas, a tragic hit-and-run left a single mother dead in the streets.
However, only those that make tragic ones hit the headlines: perhaps early success without any sacrifice can breed a sense of entitlement and a lack of responsibility.
But, this contest started before the tragic earthquake hit Haiti last week and with no Haitian nonprofits represented in the 100 finalists, Invisible Children felt the need to help Haiti in this time of crisis.
First, Prince's tragic death hit the news as a probable painkiller overdose, and shortly after that CNN jumped on the bandwagon when it broadcast "Town Hall Prescription Addiction: Made in the USA".
Moments after the tragic earthquake hit Japan, folks are reporting on TV, people turned immediately to Twitter to tell friends and family and perhaps the world what was happening to them and to use it to get information and services.
We've seen the comedians who smile on the outside until the tragic news hits us.
Yet, the jokester, who was sacked by his employer Aflac after making jokes regarding the tragic tsunami that hit Japan back in March, is at it again.
It is tragic that Iraq hits the headlines only if there is a major explosion with hundreds killed and injured.
Bobby Brown's rocky life in spotlight hits tragic note with daughter's death.
