Stan Lee Remembered By Hollywood Stars, Friends & Fans: “One Of The Greatest Creative Minds Of Our Time”
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Refresh for updates Stan Lee is being remembered as a genius, an inspiration and a hero “for making people who feel different realize they are special,” as Seth Rogen put it. “There will never be another Stan Lee,” tweeted Chris Evans.
“Damn…RIP Stan,” wrote Ryan Reynolds. “Thanks for everything.”
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Tom Rothman, Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, “Original and genius are two very overused words in the world today, but Stan was both. Add irrepressible and irreplaceable, and you begin to describe the man. We have all lost a true superhero. We will greatly miss our friendly neighborhood Stan Lee.”
Geoff Johns, producer, author and former chief creative officer at DC Entertainment, told Deadline, “I’m incredibly saddened to hear about to hear about Stan Lee’s passing. He was obviously a genius, the creator of so many wonderful characters, worlds and universes. His legacy will live on forever.”
Alan Horn, chariman of Walt Disney Studios remembered Lee saying, “It’s impossible to overstate Stan’s influence on popular culture. I was able to get to know Stan over these past several years through his work with Marvel Studios, and was always impressed by his irrepressible energy and vitality. We’ve lost a true creator. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Duncan Rouleau, from Man of Action Entertainment, an imprint at Image Comics, said: “I had the honor to work with Stan on several occasions, but my happiest moment was once while having lunch I was able to thank him and tell him how important he was… is in my life. He smiled and asked if that meant I would be buying lunch. Rarely do you get to meet your heroes let alone discover they were everything you hoped they’d be. I will miss him. He was a force of nature. There won’t be another.”
Steven T. Seagle, also from Man of Action Entertainment wrote a dedication on Facebook:
I first met Stan Lee in 1981 when he and Jack Kirby came to the Colorado Springs Mile High Comics to sign the hardcover Silver Surfer (which i still have), I was 16 years old and star-struck. 32 years later I wound up working with Stan regularly as he voiced himself on the MARVEL cartoons that my MAN OF ACTION company produced and wrote. One day Stan came in looking a little glum. I asked him what was wrong. He held out his record script to me and joked that we never gave him enough lines! He had to get dressed up and drive across the valley and come in and it would be nice if his character – STAN THE SCHOOL JANITOR on ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN – had more lines once in a while! I promised him that we’d hook him up. So we immediately outlined an episode for Stan where we revealed that Stan the School Janitor was secretly a retired SHIELD AGENT placed in the school to watch over Peter Parker. Stan was in the full 22 minutes, and more than that, he was kicking ass as an old guy! We worked with my buddy Joe Fallon on that script and Joe had the great idea of lifting a bunch of the phrases Stan wrote in his old SOAPBOX columns and inserting them as lines of dialogue for his character. Stan occasionally got tongue twisted on the regular dialogue lines, but he had no absolutely no trouble with the Tumultuous Turns of Frenetic Phraseology that Joe inserted. This photograph was taken during our midpoint break through that record session – Stan was delighted – and it is my fondest memory of my many encounters with Stan. My Condolences to his many admirers, friends, and family.
Comic book writer Mark Millar, gave an emotional multi-tweet tribute:
Stan Lee changed my life not once but twice. First when I was a kid and realised the superheroes I loved in comic-books and on TV could actually be a job. Then he did it again when I was working at Marvel and he convinced to start my Millarworld company.
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
I told him I was loving writing all his old characters and he told me pop-culture stagnates unless new ones are created. He convinced me I had it in me and I started Wanted next day.
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
Without Stan's advice, I'd never have written Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kingsman or all my other franchises. There would have been no big Netflix deal last year. Without his stories when I was wee I doubt I'd have even picked up a pen.
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
Over the years, his name popping up in my Inbox has been my biggest professional thrill. He sent me a note saying how proud he was when Kick-Ass became a movie and he tweeted me a few months back inviting me for a lemonade next time I was in LA.
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
I've mistakenly been called The New Stan Lee many times, but there can only ever be one. We all came later and never surpassed what he achieved. He was our biggest brand. Our Walt Disney. Our Calvin Klein. Our Henry Ford. He was and always will be The Man. God Bless & Excelsior!
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
— Millarworld (@mrmarkmillar) November 12, 2018
See all tweets and Instagram messages below.
Social media reactions were swift. Deadline will update this post throughout the day…
What a man. What a life.
When I first broke into Hollywood, he welcomed me with open arms and some very sage advice I’ll forever take to heart.
A true icon who impacted generations around the world.
Rest in love, my friend. #imagination #stanlee 💫 pic.twitter.com/dw3FXMgyHp— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 12, 2018
Rest in Peace Stan Lee. A true world builder… https://t.co/QSGkrJ4Om3
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 12, 2018
Today we lost one of the greats. @TheRealStanLee, you were a inspiration and superhero to us all. Thank you for contributing so much- and giving us all something to aspire to! 💚
#ripstanlee pic.twitter.com/GzFhwgU0WA— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) November 12, 2018
Goodnight Stan pic.twitter.com/XQzNnUtAeM
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) November 12, 2018
You were a man before your time… now it feels like you are gone before your time. RIP Stan the Man… thanks for the laughs and words of support. It’s a honor to live in your universe! #MarvelKnight pic.twitter.com/1TXdPqUB3x
— Anthony Mackie (@AnthonyMackie) November 12, 2018
Rest in peace, Soldier.
Comic book creator @TheRealStanLee has passed away at the age of 95. Lee served in the #USArmy Signal Corps during WWII from 1942-1945. We are deeply grateful for his service to our country and for his tremendous support to servicemembers. #Excelsior! pic.twitter.com/P9tdwoxxx2— U.S. Army (@USArmy) November 12, 2018
Jack Kirby's family sends their condolences.
— Kirby4Heroes (@Kirby4Heroes) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee created some of the most incredible and enduring characters of our time, and he chose New York City as the place to tell their stories. On behalf of his hometown, I want to express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) November 12, 2018
He inspired millions with his myriad, “Marvelous” characters, from Spiderman to Black Panther, Thor to the X-Men. Legendary creator Stan Lee is dead at 95. But his stories will live on and continue to ignite the imaginations of generations to come. Rest with the stars, great sir.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee created a universe where, if a character was beloved enough, they could never really die.
Now THAT’S thinking ahead.
Thanks for so much of my life. You’ll never not be in it.— Joss Whedon (@joss) November 12, 2018
RIP Stan Lee. (1922-2018) https://t.co/HKoSLNwNEh pic.twitter.com/UR9w8pC3Nk
— #Venom: Let There Be Carnage (@VenomMovie) November 12, 2018
At age 7, I drew this weird portrait of Stan Lee and asked my Mom to send it to him. Thankfully she didn't because 30+ years later, I got to give it to the great one in person. Thanks for all the fun Stan #Excelsior pic.twitter.com/IpfYBSjWyf
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) November 12, 2018
Here's to celebrating the life of a staggering talent and a true visionary! @TheRealStanLee is an inspiration for all time! Excelsior!! pic.twitter.com/ubtgkMMrBg
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) November 12, 2018
Today, we lost a real-life superhero. Stan Lee, thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/zH6YIlslnx
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/JSim07/status/1062068713505976320
Thank you for making us believe we can all be heroes. Rest in peace, Stan Lee. pic.twitter.com/N81InK76kA
— Marvel's Runaways (@marvelsrunaways) November 12, 2018
Many, many years ago, I started reading the Tao because of Master Of Kung Fu. #stanlee, or as we “true believers” called you, #StanTheManLee, Rest In Peace…❤️ https://t.co/uZgB4A4QjY
— Lance Reddick (@lancereddick) November 12, 2018
It’s with great sadness and respect that I write this note! I loved Stan Lee and was honored to be in Nick Fury and the Guardians Inferno end titles song with him. He is what America is about! A true Hero, Inspiration and the ultimate Gentleman!! #stanlee #marvelcomics #nickfury pic.twitter.com/2JcO6cX35j
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) November 12, 2018
Saddened to hear about @TheRealStanLee’s passing. Condolences to his daughter.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) November 12, 2018
"And now, until we meet again, may the blessings of Asgard be showered upon you!" – Stan Lee, Balder the Brave
Thank you for sharing your genius and your heart with the world, Stan. pic.twitter.com/uMjipTmyY6— Geoff Johns (@geoffjohns) November 12, 2018
RIP Stan Lee. You inspired a whole generation of writers and artists. Forward…always. Excelsior!
— Cheo Hodari Coker (@cheo_coker) November 12, 2018
I was first interviewed for Stan Lee's obituary about 20 years ago. I was happy he defied the reaper and carried on. With Stan gone, an era really does come to an end. He was the happy huckster that comics needed. And he really did alliterate like that when you talked to him.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 12, 2018
We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and …. to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/iOdefi7iYz
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 12, 2018
Overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the late, great hero, Stan Lee. Rest In Paradise. Thank you for your imagination, creativity, tenacity, inspiration and love!!! https://t.co/4WqHCtDXE1
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) November 12, 2018
Born before Edwin Hubble discovered the expanding universe, he ultimately created an expanding universe of his own – one of scientifically literate superheroes such as Spider-Man , The Hulk, Iron Man, & Black Panther.
Stan Lee RIP: 1922 – 2018— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) November 12, 2018
Thank you sir. @TheRealStanLee “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest” #Excelsior— Melissa Gilbert (@MEGBusfield) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/LWhannell/status/1062073298849193984
Such visions. How fortunate the universe is to have known you, Stan Lee.
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) November 12, 2018
Stan…more than a master of stories, you always seemed like a master of living. I will look to you for inspiration for the rest of my life. You live on. xoxo Your Wasp
.
#liveon #StanLee pic.twitter.com/JRA2aRM3bG— Evangeline Lilly (@EvangelineLilly) November 12, 2018
Had the pleasure of working with @TheRealStanLee on a few occasions in the voice booth on Ultimate Spider-Man. He signed my script to “Marvelous Matt”. Thank you for your warmth, kindness and creativity. #RIPStanLee
— Matt Lanter (@MattLanter) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/realmikecolter/status/1062073026320035843
When Marvel issued “Sledge Hammer!” comic books, Stan Lee and I would have delightful conversations. After the series ended, Stan phoned me. I wondered why since we had no business together. “I just called to chat,” Stan laughed, “I’m allowed to like you, aren’t I?” #Excelsior pic.twitter.com/supY9Bz8hT
— Alan Spencer (@MrAlanSpencer) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee’s marvelous, wondrous, infinite imagination gave birth to worlds, heroes, and stories that captivate people everywhere — across generations. While we are sad to lose him today, his creative legacy is immortal. Rest in peace Stan. #Excelsior pic.twitter.com/7i4azNcumK
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) November 12, 2018
He lives forever through his work. What a giant.
With great power comes immortality. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/t395qw9H0L— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 12, 2018
No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!
— Kevin Feige (@Kevfeige) November 12, 2018
Ohh noo! Stan Lee…RIP
May flocks if Angels take thee to thy rest!#excelsior— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) November 12, 2018
He inspired millions with his myriad, “Marvelous” characters, from Spiderman to Black Panther, Thor to the X-Men. Legendary creator Stan Lee is dead at 95. But his stories will live on and continue to ignite the imaginations of generations to come. Rest with the stars, great sir.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 12, 2018
His contribution to Pop Culture was revolutionary & cannot be overstated. He was everything you hoped he would be & MORE. I loved this man & will never stop missing him. They say you should never meet a childhood idol. They are wrong. #RIPStanTheMan pic.twitter.com/6OKH07ahJg
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) November 12, 2018
Rest In Peace Stan Lee
😢— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) November 12, 2018
Was never a big comic book guy but Stan Lee sucked me into these worlds with his ideas. Thank you for the countless hours of entertainment that fell out of your amazing mind.
RIP— TITUS (@TitusNation) November 12, 2018
Damn… RIP Stan. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/TMAaDJSOhh
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 12, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqF3TJ5nCpM/
In loving memory of Stan Lee. It was an honor to have him on The #BigBangTheory. Thank you for being a real life super hero to so many generations. Your legend will live on. pic.twitter.com/OHWdbHQPYC
— The Big Bang Theory (@bigbangtheory) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/1062066692631732224
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Stan Lee, a legend in our industry.
Our thoughts go out to his many fans, his friends, and family. Excelsior. pic.twitter.com/WU1s2RR6Mb— Comic-Con International (@Comic_Con) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/CHRIS_Daughtry/status/1062065634085924867
Rest in peace, Mr. #StanLee.
Thank you for a lifetime of imagination. pic.twitter.com/oiRZcnLvlj— eDdiE mCcLiNToCk (@EddieMcClintock) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/MattfDoyle/status/1062065824754753536
RIP @TheRealStanLee He made everyone feel like a kid in his presence no matter what your age. pic.twitter.com/JYeWXq8iKb
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) November 12, 2018
Thank u Stan Lee for everything.
— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheRealElvira/status/1062063536644354048
Thank you Stan Lee. For your service in protecting our freedom and for your creativity and imagination! You were and will always be a SUPER HERO! pic.twitter.com/d1qpuImyzQ
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) November 12, 2018
Thank you Stan Lee for making people who feel different realize they are special.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee, RIP. Thanks for inspiring so many of us to pick up a pen or pencil and put your dreams onto paper. Excelsior! pic.twitter.com/L33eTjUQdI
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 12, 2018
RIP to one of the greatest creative minds of our time. Thank you for such an incredible legacy and for giving us so many icons that will continue to live on long after you are gone. Goodbye #stanlee – we love you. pic.twitter.com/nxwI1YS3OT
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 12, 2018
RIP, Stan Lee pic.twitter.com/HmMo3g2wmN
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 12, 2018
We lost a real-life superhero today. Stan Lee was a visionary, who elevated imaginations across the globe. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with him. Rest peacefully, Stan. pic.twitter.com/Ie2S18y0A0
— Larry King (@kingsthings) November 12, 2018
Rest in peace, Stan Lee. The many worlds of imagination & delight you created for humanity will last forever.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 12, 2018
A tip of the cowl and cape to the original real life super hero… Stan Lee.
Well done, good sir. Well done. RIP
Team Ace pic.twitter.com/WDnV5oKMyg— Ace Frehley (@ace_frehley) November 12, 2018
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