Marvel fans are in grief after being struck by the heartbreaking loss of Stan Lee. Despite his 95 years on earth, he always seemed immortal, you know? He was supposed to live forever or something. It’s hard to believe that he’s really gone. Sadly, Lee passed away November 12 in Los Angeles at the age of 95.
However, we won’t forget him that easily. Several Hollywood stars remembered Lee with admiration as they paid their tributes to the brilliant comic book writer. Lee’s creativity and influence as the mastermind behind Marvel characters will always remain memorable.
Stan Lee’s Career in Marvel Comics
Stan Lee began working in comics in 1939, back when Marvel Comics was still Timely Comics but rose to prominence in the 1960s. He collaborated with Jack Kirby to create the Fantastic Four and then created the Marvel Universe as we know it. From there, he helped create some of the most popular comic book characters ever, including the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther, Iron Man, the Hulk, etc.
Eventually, he also went on to feature in cameos for Marvel movies. For Marvel fans, these cameos became a very special part of the films.
Marvel Remembers Stan Lee
As Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement:
“Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created. A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain and to connect. The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also paid his tribute:
“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 the millions of fans who have been forever touched by Stan’s genius, charisma and heart.”
Moreover, this is what a family statement said:
“J.C. Lee and all of Stan Lee’s friends and colleagues want to thank all of his fans and well-wishers for their kind words and condolences.”
“He worked tirelessly his whole life creating great characters for the world to enjoy. He wanted to inspire our imagination and for us to all use it to make the world a better place. His legacy will live on forever.”
Hollywood Pays Their Tribute
Meanwhile, the stars and directors behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) took to social media to mourn the loss of the legendary Marvel Comics icon and former editor-in-chief of the company. Tributes poured in from Hollywood stars including Robert Downey Jr, the Iron Man star:
Chris Evan, better known as Captain America to Marvel fans, wrote:
There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) November 12, 2018
Below, check out other celebrities who paid their tributes to Stan Lee:
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
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
Goodnight Stan pic.twitter.com/XQzNnUtAeM
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) 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
As Logan Marshall-Green (who had a supporting role in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’) puts it:
Government needs to enact a
Stan Lee Day ASAP. Who has reached further and impacted deeper, our story telling and dreams than Stan Lee?— Logan Marshall-Green (@TheRealElemgy) November 12, 2018
RIP to the great @TheRealStanLee . What a wonderful gift you have given us in the characters you’ve created and the love and passion you had for your fans. Thank you. #Excelsior pic.twitter.com/D5hxBNWMfU
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) 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 (@HamillHimself) 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
Thank you Stan Lee for making people who feel different realize they are special.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee may be known as a creator, but I think people forget how good he was as a superhero hype man. He talked with the excited energy of someone running into a diner after seeing Spider-Man swing by overhead. He sounded like he had all the secrets and couldn't wait to share.
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) November 12, 2018
A Titan just left the Earth. The world became a bit smaller emptier today. RIP Stan Lee, and #Excelsior! pic.twitter.com/vx94cSr5w9
— Pascal Blanché ??? (@pascalblanche) November 12, 2018