Let's face it, 2016 was a horrible year in pop culture. We have lost many icons in television, music, and film who have inspired all of us to become better at what we all want to excel in the future. These people have pushed us to be ourselves and never let anyone tell them otherwise. They have left behind a legacy of memorable pieces of art that we all hope to share with future generations. Here are a few that we have lost this year who would continue to inspire us in the coming years.

David Bowie was one of the first people who have left us in January of this year. He passed at the age of 69 from liver cancer, which happened two days after his birthday and the release of his last album Blackstar. Bowie was diagnosed with the disease about 18 months earlier, but during this time, he was working on his album. He had created this album during his last couple of months with passion because in a way, he knew that his time was almost up and wanted to give a final goodbye to his fans. Goodbye and thank you Ziggy Stardust.

A few days later, we have lost another icon in the film and book universe of Harry Potter, Professor Severus Snape himself Alan Rickman. Let's be honest, we all cried when Professor Snape was killed by Voldemort's snake Nagini. When this scene was brought to life in the film version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Rickman had displayed a beautiful interpretation of Snape's character. He has showed us how despite his tough exterior, he has true care for the young wizard Harry Potter.

Another artist that we lost this year was Prince. Prince was known as one of the famous icons in the 1980s due to his extravagant style and ability to play multiple instruments on stage. His songs included Purple Rain, Party Like It's 1999, and Little Red Corvette, which was one of the first music videos next to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean that broke MTV's racial barriers. Prince had remained an influence on musicians today such as Frank Ocean and Bruno Mars.

Unfortunately to end 2016, we have lost two other amazing people. The first person we have lost on Christmas was musician George Michael. George Michael was best known as the second half of the 1980s pop duo Wham!, with hit songs such as Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Last Christmas. Other than being a musician, he was also an activist for LGBT rights. Michael spoke out what he believed in, and did not let anyone tell him who to be. He was true to himself and that was what inspired others. The second person who we have also lost was Carrie Fisher, who was known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. Not only did Carrie Fisher inspire women to be powerful, but she also inspired those who have or are suffering from mental illnesses. Fisher inspired us to move forward and to never give up, and all we have to say is thank you and may the force be with us.

Yes this year has made us devastated, but it is up to us and future generations to keep the ideas from the people that we have lost and overcome any obstacles that we face in 2017!