Celebrities & President Obama React to Nelson Mandela's Death

The death of Nelson Mandela has left the world mourning the loss of a man who did so much for the world and the country of South Africa.

President Obama gave a speech about the loss of the former South African president, saying “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.”

“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,” Obama continued. “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.”

Click inside to see what celebs are saying about the death of Nelson Mandela…

Bill Clinton: “I will never forget my friend Madiba”

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”

Rihanna: “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”

Beyonce: “God Bless”

Ian Somerhalder: “Im in tears.The world has lost one of its greatest shepherds of peace.Thank you Mr.Mandela for the love you radiated. ”

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.”

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

Kerry Washington: “RIP Nelson Mandela. God Bless You.”

Olivia Wilde: “Oh Mandela, rest in peaceful freedom.”

Jamie Foxx: “Thank you for your mark you left on humanity Mr. Mandela. Prayers to his family, friends and the people of South Africa.”

Gabrielle Union: “Rest in eternal peace, love and light #NelsonMandela”

LeAnn Rimes: “R.I.P. Nelson Mandela”

Adam Lambert: “RIP Mandela”

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

Ashley Madekwe: “Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela. His life was a lesson in courage for us all.”

Christa B Allen: “rest in peace, you lovely human being. #RIP”

Emile Hirsch: “Huge sadness for the loss of Nelson Mandela, a sterling example of human greatness and achievement.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar: “#RIP Nelson Mandela. The best example of a human being I can think of. The world is a better place because of you. Thank you”

Eva Longoria: “Today the world lost one it’s greatest leaders. Rest in peace Mandela…”

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”

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

Jaimie Alexander: “Thank you for changing our world. A life beautifully and courageously lived. RIP #NelsonMandela”

Alessandra Ambrosio: “Mandela! His integrity and bravery in the pursuit of equality for all has not only change the history but has inspired the world! #truehero”

Kelly Rowland: “wow. #RIPNelsonMandela ”

Pitbull: “RIP Nelson Mandela. You are now truly free. God Bless and enjoy the heavens. Tell Celia Cruz hello for me and azucaaaaarrrr”

Ludacris: “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”

Jessie J: “Nelson Mandela showed and acted out in front of the world what the true meaning of “fight for what you believe in” is! Thank you for giving humanity your humbling spirit everyday until the very end. I am so happy that one day my future children will learn about you as a genuine leader of love and peace. An example to all. You are an angel. 🙏❤️ R.I.P”

Audra McDonald: “:( Nelson Mandela. RIP”

Christopher Gorham: “RIP Nelson Mandela. Many talk about changing the world, he did it. Thank you, Sir.”

Cara Santana: “Nelson Mandela you are an inspiration. Visiting your home 7 years ago was a magical experience.Your legacy lives on. #Mandela”

E.L. James: “RIP Nelson Mandela. #Humanitarian #Peacemaker #FatherofSouthAfrica”

Donald Faison: “RIP Nelson Mandela.”

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.”

Spice Girls’ Mel C: “I always feel strange acknowledging somebody’s passing on twitter but I have to say I am honoured to have met the great Nelson Mandela #RIP”

Kat Graham: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. – Nelson Mandela Rest In Peace”

Ryan Guzman: “Rest in Peace to a great leader and inspiration to many #NelsonMandela . The world has felt your positive effect.”

Eliza Dushku: “Dearest Nelson Mandela. An inspiring life doesn’t begin to describe, an icon, a hero, a saint to the fullest. #RIP marvelous, beautiful man.”

Padma Lakshmi: “So sad to hear of Nelson Mandela’s passing. What a life well lived! RIP”

Jamie Chung: “”It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela R.I.P”

Bryan Greenberg: “RIP Nelson Mandela. True champion of freedom and equality for all.”

Kevin Connolly: “I think it’s safe to say Nelson Mandela is a first ballot Hall of Famer!!! That’s a man for you right there!!! #RipNelsonMandela”

Jenna Ushkowitz: “Grateful that you graced this earth. #ripnelsonmandela”

Amber Riley: “#RIPNelsonMandela �”"

Kevin McHale: “There will never be another Nelson Mandela. A true hero that has been deeply ingrained into our history. Thoughts are with his family,”

Dean Geyer: “Madiba your beautiful heart and generous spirit will ofcourse forever be remembered by every SA.. As well as people around the world.”

Colton Haynes: “:( RIP #NelsonMandela”

Janelle Monae: “1 of the most important&greatest individuals to walk on this Earth. Nelson Mandela. He walked the walk. He was 4 THE PEOPLE. Nelson Mandela.”

Randy Jackson: “Wow. RIP Nelson Mandela. “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”"

Abigail Breslin: ” Speechless… R.I.P. Nelson Mandela.”

Ricky Martin: “There is a party in heaven. Angels are celebrating. The one and only #NelsonMandela has arrived. RIP”

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

Hayley Atwell: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of Nelson Mandela’s passing. A champion of human rights.”

Darby Stanchfield: “What a great, great man this world was blessed to have. Rest in peace Nelson Mandela.”

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

Sam Claflin: “#RIP Nelson Mandela. A true inspiration. A true legend.”

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”

Behati Prinsloo: “R.I.P Mandela. The world lost a great man.”

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

LA Reid: “Nelson Mandela changed the world for all of humanity! May his blessed soul rest in peace.”

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

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

Aubrey O’Day: “Feel blessed 2 have met #NelsonMandela ..such an incredible contributor 2 humanity. He taught me that true dignity is precious beyond words!”

Zelda Williams: “You were an inspiration, an incredible light in any darkness & the world is brighter forever thanks to your strength. R.I.P. Mr. Mandela”

Debra Messing: “Nelson Mandela— one of the greatest people who ever lived. Rest In Peace.”

Paloma Faith: “RIP Nelson Mandela non violent protest is the only way. Thank you for what you taught the world. “