Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Morgan Freeman lead tributes to Nelson Mandela as Hollywood mourns loss of great leader
Naomie Harris
I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of the greatest inspirational leaders of our time. Today South Africa lost its spiritual father. Too often violence and oppression lead to further violence and retribution. He taught us to fight back with peace. Long before we made this movie, I was inspired, as so many have been, by the leadership, grace and compassion of Nelson Mandela. While no single film can replicate a person’s life, I am very proud to be part of our tribute to this extraordinary man. His accomplishments and approach to peace are lessons that will live on for generations.
- Oscar winner Charlize says: 'There will never be words to say what I'm feeling right now, I'm saddened to the depths of my soul'
- Idris - winning plaudits for playing Mandela - said: 'What an honor it was to portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world'
- Mandela producer Anant Singh announced news of Mandela's death to shocked crowd at Royal premiere tonight
- Movie mogul Harvey calls it an 'honour' to make the biopic based on Mandela's biography
- Morgan Freeman, who played Mandela in 2009 film Invictus, described him as: 'A hero who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind'
- David Beckham, the Kardashians, Rihanna, Kerry Washington and Cher were among other stars paying their respects
By SARA NATHAN
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South African Oscar-winner Charlize Theron led the tributes to Nelson Mandela on Thursday night alongside movie mogul Harvey Weinstein - 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.'
Mr Weinstein, 61, who produced the movie starring Brits Idris Elba and 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.
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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
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
'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.'
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.
Sad: South African-born Charlize Theron paid tribute to Mandela
Star: Charlize Theron adds to her message to Mandela family
Tribute: Rihanna posted a picture of Mandela
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 minutes' 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
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.
Idris, 41, best known for roles in The Wire and BBC hit Luther, 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.'
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.
Celeb outpouring: Kim Kardashian also took to Twitter to pay respects, as well as a host of other names from the entertainment world
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.'
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.'
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
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
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)'
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.'
Heartfelt: The tweets continued to roll in as news spread of the leader's passing
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2519078/Charlize-Theron-Idris-Elba-Morgan-Freeman-lead-tributes-Nelson-Mandela-Hollywood-mourns-loss-great-leader.html#ixzz2mguwSIOD
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