When does "the late" become "the late"? Why won't we refer

Question:

When does "the late" become "the late"? Why won't we refer to Stalin, Lincoln, Homer, Jesus etc as the late?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I could be wrong but I think you say "the late" when its a recent death of famous people. With Lincoln, Homer and such we know they are dead thus....you don't have to say "the late". I don't know, I guess my answer is too simple.