RIP Nelson Mandela: Celebs Pay Their Respects to the Late South African Leader on Twitter

Numerous fans of the Nobel Peace Prize winner tweeted their condolences to the late leader

By Bruna Nessif Dec 05, 2013 10:34 PMTags
Nelson MandelaSHAUN CURRY/AFP/Getty Images

Nelson Mandela will never be forgotten.

The prominent political leader, whose life-long work to end apartheid in his native South Africa and subsequent election as the country's first black president made him an icon and furthermore, a global symbol of peace and social change, died Thursday, the government of South Africa confirmed. He was 95.

According to reports, Mandela died from complications due a recurring lung infection. He had been hospitalized since June 8.

And as with many cases lately, the world began to mourn the loss of such a peaceful soul on Twitter.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Olivia Wilde: "Oh Mandela, rest in peaceful freedom."

Anderson Cooper: "Mandela is gone. There is no one else like him."

Marlee Matlin: "So sad to read of the passing of the symbol of global resistance to racism. RIP Nelson Mandela."

Piers Morgan: "BREAKING NEWS: Nelson Mandela has died, aged 95. One of the great men of history. RIP."

Patti Stanger: "May the peace minister #NelsonMandela RIP as I'm sure the angels are dancing with joy tonight to get to hang with such a great man! Namaste."

DL Hughley: "RIP Nelson Mandela u changed the Whole world with your dignity and Strength!!! #TeamDl"

Tyra Banks: "@NelsonMandela, 95 powerful years on this earth yet freedom for INFINITY because of you. You are an angel that will live forever."

Damian McGinty: "Nelson Mandela. Legend of all legends. Deserves his rest."

Alyssa Milano: "'There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.' ~Nelson Mandela"

Nancy Pelosi: "May the life of Nelson Mandela long stand as the ultimate tribute to the triumph of hope."

Michael Moore: "Thank you, Nelson Mandela. Freedom."

Ethan Zohn: "'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' - Nelson Mandela #Madiba"

Josh Groban: "We have lost one of humanity's greatest treasures. RIP Madiba. I will never forget the lessons learned from him or his vision that lives on."

Donald Faison: "RIP Nelson Mandela."

Ann Curry: "Nelson Mandela has died. Respect."

AP Photo/Denis Farrell

Ryan Phillippe: "What an amazing life lead by Madiba. A light & inspiration to the world...The privilege of spending a small amount of private time w/ Mr. Mandela as he held my baby daughter, is a highlight of my life...It was like being in the presence of a diety. He truly emanated warmth and humanity. Imperfect, like us all, but w/ a strength few possess...Mandela was bouncing Ava, then two yrs old, on his knee & called her, "future leader". I couldn't believe it in that moment. I still can't."

Mike Tyson: "I'm hearing about Nelson Mandela's death while on African soil in Oran, Algeria. Sending prayers to Mandela's family."

Cory Booker: "Humanity has lost one of our greatest. RIP Nelson Mandela. Thank you for teaching us a deeper meaning of love, leadership & sacrifice."

Russell Simmons: "Nelson Mandela was an angel walking on this earth. You were one the greatest teachers this world has ever known. We love you and we miss you"

John Cusack: "Rest in Peace Nelson #Mandela — a true champion of #HumanRights." Peace - justice - love"

Larry King: "Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela - he was the greatest figure of the 21st century - a fascinating man"

Al Roker: "A giant of a man, Nelson Mandela, dead at the age of 95. His legacy and his spirit will live forever...Nelson Mandela proved one person can make a difference. God bless him"

Naashon Zalk/Getty Images

Kelly Osbourne: "Today is officially one of the saddest days! The world has lost the most inspirational person to ever walk the earth rip #NelsonMandela"

Gilles Marini: "#NelsonMandela RIP. Not many warriors of freedom in this world but clearly He was one of them."

Whoopi Goldberg: "I want 2give the world a hug I was told Mandeba just passed. Nelson Mandela R.I.P. Time for a well earned sleep.Condolences to his family"

Samuel L. Jackson: "Never met a better person in my life than Nelson Mandela. My sympathy to his family & his country."

Fergie: "Meeting Nelson Mandela at his house in Johannesburg was a truly memorable moment in life for me. He was an angel."

Simon Cowell: "So sad to hear about Nelson Mandela. Rest in peace."

Bette Midler: "Nelson Mandela is gone. Goodbye and God bless you for all you did for humanity..."

Abigail Breslin: "Speechless... R.I.P. Nelson Mandela."

Neil Patrick Harris: "Nelson Mandela, rest in peace. What an unbelievable legacy…"

Evan Agostini/ImageDirect/Getty Images

Olivia Munn: "'To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.' RIPNelsonMandela"

John Legend: "What a heroic, beautiful life Mandela lived. Rest in peace."

Rose McGowan: "What a huge and impactful life he led."

Adam Lambert: "RIP Mandela"

Amber Riley: "#RIPNelsonMandela"

Barbara Walters: "A remarkable man and an inspiration to all. Remembering #NelsonMandela"

Kerry Washington: "RIP Nelson Mandela. God Bless You."

Dave Benett/Getty Images

Rihanna: "#NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We'll always love you for it!"

Charlize Theron: "My thoughts and love go out to the Mandela family. Rest in Peace Madiba. You will be missed, but your impact on this world will live forever"

Sean "Diddy" Combs: "Mandela stood for justice and truth!! Today the world lost a beautiful soul, fighter and true KING!! #RIPMandela"

Nicholas Hoult: "'Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.' Mandela's flame will burn on. RIP"

Khloé Kardashian Odom: "An amazing man with great wisdom. Rest in peace Nelson Mandela"

Gwyneth Paltrow: "'Your playing small does not serve the world'. #RIPMandela"

Gabourey Sidibe: " 'The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.' -Nelson Mandela. Thank you for your bravery."

Bill Gates: "Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day."

Ellen DeGeneres: "Today we lost the world's greatest advocate for peace and change. Nelson Mandela was a hero to so many. Rest in peace."