In the late 80s/early 90s, my circle of dearest high school chums, post-high school (i.e., the ones that stayed in touch for at least my undergraduate and early graduate school/professional working days) and I all thought this man was the most awesome human being alive. I mean, we really admired him greatly. And I say this as someone whose favorite uncle once (allegedly) caused some trouble with Jean-Claude Van Damme in his young pre-fame days.
This makes me so damn sad I can't tell you. It's my version of the meeting-your-heroes disappointment without ever having met him.