Friday, 6 December 2013

Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Morgan Freeman lead tributes to Nelson Mandela as Hollywood mourns loss of great leader

South African Oscar-winner Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba led the tributes to Nelson Mandela on Thursday night just hours after the Royal premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Charlize, 38, 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,' adding: 'There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now. I am saddened to the depths of my soul. Truly.'
Naomi Campbell, 43, told MailOnline, 'Nelson has stood as a figure of strength, hope, freedom, selflessness and love, and I join everyone across the world in mourning his passing.
'However, he was much more than just a figurehead to me - he was my mentor, my honorary grandfather, my Tata. Since meeting him in 1993, he's guided me and gave me a reason for being in the tough times of my life. He changed my perception of the world.'
Tender: South African Oscar winner Charlize Theron shares a moment with Nelson Mandela on March 11, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa
Tender: South African Oscar winner Charlize Theron shares a moment with Nelson Mandela on March 11, 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa

Premiere: The Duchess of Cambridge meeting movie mogul Harvey Weinstein tonight at the London premiere of his film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Premiere: The Duchess of Cambridge meeting movie mogul Harvey Weinstein tonight at the London premiere of his film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Royal seal of approval: Producer Harvey Weinstein greets Mandela stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris and director Justin Chadwick at the Royal premiere of Mandela: London Walk to Freedom in London tonight
Royal seal of approval: Producer Harvey Weinstein greets Mandela stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris and director Justin Chadwick at the Royal premiere of Mandela: London Walk to Freedom in London tonight
On-screen portrayal: Idris as the late leader in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
On-screen portrayal: Idris as the late leader in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
So close: Naomi Campbell, seen hugging Nelson in 1998 (along with Kate Moss, Mia Farrow and Christy Turlington), said he taught her how to look at the world differently
So close: Naomi Campbell, seen hugging Nelson in 1998 (along with Kate Moss, Mia Farrow and Christy Turlington), said he taught her how to look at the world differently
The supermodel added, 'It will take time to come to terms with his absence, but I know his energy and impact will forever be in the core of my spirit.
'My heart goes out to the entire Mandela family - Mama Graca, Mama Winnie, Zindzi, Malengani, Josina and the rest of the family.'
The Wire star Idris, 41, who was informed at the premiere of Mandela's passing said: 'What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.'
Morgan Freeman, who played the South African leader in the 2009 film Invictus, also paid tribute to Mandela, describing him as 'a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind'.
The 76-year-old actor – who some mistakenly posted a picture of next to tweets paying tribute to Mandela - 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.'
Mr Weinstein, 61, who produced the movie starring Brits Idris and Skyfall star Naomie Harris, told MailOnline: 'One of the privileges of making movies is having the opportunity to immortalize those who have made a profound impact on humanity.
'We count ourselves unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed in Nelson Mandela’s story and legacy. It’s been an honor to have been granted such proximity to a man who will go down as one of history’s greatest freedom fighters and advocates for justice.'
Sad: South African-born Charlize Theron paid tribute to Mandela
Sad: South African-born Charlize Theron paid tribute to Mandela

Star: Charlize Theron adds to her message to Mandela family
Star: Charlize Theron adds to her message to Mandela family



Tribute: Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela
Tribute: Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela
The producer was joined by stars across the world, including Idris himself in paying tribute to the great leader.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and two of Mr Mandela's daughters, Zindzi and Zenani, were watching the movie when news of the former South African President's death broke.
The Duke and Duchess were discreetly informed by aides during the screening.
And actor Idris Elba, who plays the former South African president, was in tears as producer Anant Singh announced the news to a stunned audience after the credits had rolled - followed by a two minute silence.
Speaking in the foyer of London's Leicester Square Odeon, a sombre Duke of Cambridge, with his wife by his side,  said: 'I just wanted to say it's extremely sad and tragic news.
On-screen portrayal: Morgan Freeman played Mandela in 2009 movie Invictus
On-screen portrayal: Morgan Freeman played Mandela in 2009 movie Invictus
Enlarge   Paying tribute: Morgan also posted a touching tribute message on his Facebook page
Paying tribute: Morgan also posted a touching tribute message on his Facebook page



Grieving: Celebrities paid their respects to Nelson Mandela on Twitter tonight
Grieving: Celebrities paid their respects to Nelson Mandela on Twitter tonight

'We were just reminded what an extraordinary and inspiring man Nelson Mandela was. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It's very sad.'
Mr Mandela's daughter Zindzi, 55, has been promoting the movie at screenings in New York and last month attended a special screening at the White House in Washington DC. She looked overcome as she was ushered out of the premiere, according to onlookers.
Touching tributes: Tennis star Serena Williams posted a series of tweets dedicated to Nelson Mandela
Touching tributes: Tennis star Serena Williams posted a series of tweets dedicated to Nelson Mandela
Mr Weinstein added: 'I have had the privilege of spending time with President Mandela and I can say his sense of humor was as great as his optimism.
'We are deeply saddened by his loss; our hearts go out to his family and the entire South African nation.'
The Weinstein Company immediately scrapped a star-studded party planned for the Royal premiere as guests were described as walking out of the screening in shock and silence.
Mandela with the late Michael Jackson in 1996
Mandela with the late Michael Jackson in 1996
Celeb outpouring: Kim Kardashian also took to Twitter to pay respects, as well as a host of other names from the entertainment world
Celeb outpouring: Kim Kardashian also took to Twitter to pay respects, as well as a host of other names from the entertainment world
Meanwhile, celebrities across the world were quick to pay their tributes to Mandela.
Superstar Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela on her Instagram account, with the message: '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.'
Honour: Oprah Winfrey was one of the stars who was first to tweet her respects to the late leader
Honour: Oprah Winfrey was one of the stars who was first to tweet her respects to the late leader

Former friends: Oprah had interviewed Mandela on more than one occasion
Former friends: Oprah had interviewed Mandela on more than one occasion

Taking to Twitter: Music legend Cher, 67, also shared her thoughts
Taking to Twitter: Music legend Cher, 67, also shared her thoughts
David Beckham took to his Facebook account to post a picture of himself with the former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary.
The sportsman, who met the legendary figure in 2003 before the then-England captain played in a friendly fixture against South Africa, captioned the image with a simple: 'Thank you.'
Beckham also posted a longer tribute to Mandela shortly beforehand and admitted it was an 'honour' to have met such a 'courageous human being'.  
He wrote on his Facebook page: 'My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela's family. We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being. It was truly an honor to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people. Rest in peace (sic)'
Paying tribute: David Beckham posted an image of himself and Mandela on his Facebook page before writing a lengthy tribute message
Paying tribute: David Beckham posted an image of himself and Mandela on his Facebook page before writing a lengthy tribute message

Back in the day: David's wife Victoria met Mandela with the Spice Girls back in 1997, with members of the group all taking to Twitter to pay their respects
Back in the day: David's wife Victoria met Mandela with the Spice Girls back in 1997, with members of the group all taking to Twitter to pay their respects
Cuddling up: Victoria smiled widely as she was given the opportunity to meet Mandela
Cuddling up: Victoria smiled widely as she was given the opportunity to meet Mandela


David's wife Victoria met Mandela along with her fellow Spice Girls bandmates – Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Mel B and Mel C – in 1997 when he jokingly declared: 'These are my heroes.'
Emma led the girl group's tributes to the great man last night, writing on Twitter: 'RIP Nelson Mandela. What a legacy he has left behind. I had the honour of meeting him and his spirit was unlike any other.'
Mel C tweeted: '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 (sic)'
Queen guitarist Brian May, a founding ambassador of Nelson Mandela's 46664 charity, assisting those infected or affected by HIV/Aids, said: "Very sad to hear of Madiba's passing.
'We (Queen, along with Dave Stewart, and the Corrs) were privileged to spend some days and nights with him at his game park retreat, while we were organising the first 46664 concert for Aids at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. They were life-changing days, with quiet time and talks around a camp fire at night, which we will remember till we die.
'Mandela was the most inspiring man of his generation. His message, by example, was the power of forgiveness. He showed us that it's possible to act after great injustice with no thought of revenge. He was light, funny, enormously generous, and, quietly, the greatest example to the world that a man can be.'
While some messages were short, others from celebrities were more detailed.
Actor Ryan Phillippe recalled meeting Nelson Mandela with his daughter Ava over ten years ago.
The 39-year-old actor wrote: '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. 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.'
Legend: Lennox Lewis, seen here with Mandela in 2001, was quick to pay his respects
Legend: Lennox Lewis, seen here with Mandela in 2001, was quick to pay his respects

Enlarge   'Blueprint of dignity': Lennox also posted a moving tribute message on his website
'Blueprint of dignity': Lennox also posted a moving tribute message on his website



More outpouring of love: From Justin Timberlake to Goldie Hawn
More outpouring of love: From Justin Timberlake to Goldie Hawn

Heartfelt: The tweets continued to roll in as news spread of the leader's passing
Heartfelt: The tweets continued to roll in as news spread of the leader's passing

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