Celebrities Mourning the Death of Nelson Mandela

One of the greatest world leaders, Nelson Mandela, has died on Thursday, December 5. The world including Hollywood celebrities, paid a tribute to former South African president and anti-apartheid leader.

"An honor to step into his shoes and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, championed human rights," Idris Elba said. The actor portrays Mandela in this year's "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom".
Morgan Freeman, who had met Mandela in person said in a statement, "Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve - a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind."

Freeman added, "As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we’ve come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us."

Rihanna wrote on Twitter, "One of the greatest men who’s ever lived!!! #Legend We will never forget the things this man has taught us, and we will never truly comprehend the level of strength that it took for him to endure many of his years!! Thank you #Mandela".
Charlize Theron, who was born in South Africa, said "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". Rapper Ludacris shared, "Honored that I had a chance to meet this amazing influential being & to participate in his 46664 Aids benefit concert in South Africa. You will live on thru your work for eternity. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela".

Many of the celebrities chose to tweet famous quotes from Mandela such as "It always seems impossible until it's done" and "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama said in a lengthy statement, "We have lost one of the most influential, courageous & profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with. He no longer belongs to us - he belongs to the ages."

He continued, "I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life. My first political action was a protest against apartheid. I studied his words and his writings. The day ...he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when ...guided by their hopes rather than ...fears. Like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example set by Nelson Mandela."