Nelson Mandela dies: Celebrities react on Twitter

“A great Soul has left us!!!! Nelson Mandela ... Rest in Peace!” — @levarburton  (Craig Barritt / Getty Images for AOL Inc.)

“Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. A true inspiration & role model for peace & international collaboration. We will continue to learn from him.” — @TheRealBuzz  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“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 http://instagram.com/p/hjoHjmhM4k/#” — @rihanna  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

“Never met a better person in my life than Nelson Mandela. My sympathy to his family & his country.” — @SamuelLJackson  (Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images)

“Oh Mandela, rest in peaceful freedom.” — @oliviawilde  (Jason Merritt / Getty Images for IWMF)

“I was convinced Nelson Mandela would NEVER get out of prison. When he did, and became President, I decided right then anything was possible.” — @MMFlint  (Craig Barritt / Getty Images)

“Free Nelson Mandela! Nelson Mandela Is Free. #Respect” — @questlove  (Craig Barritt / Getty Images)

“So sad to read of the passing of the symbol of global resistance to racism. RIP Nelson Mandela” — @MarleeMatlin  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“Sad to hear about the passing of Nelson Mandela - he was the greatest figure of the 21st century - a fascinating man pic.twitter.com/hsqfltcyO9” — @kingsthings  (Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images)

“Dearest Nelson Mandela. An inspiring life doesn’t begin to describe, an icon, a hero, a saint to the fullest. #RIP marvelous, beautiful man.” — @elizadushku  (Robin Marchant / Getty Images for Unclaimed Freight Productions)

“I hope the great work started by Nelson Mandela continues to spread across the world. He will be remembered as an icon for equality.” — @WilliamShatner  (Mark Blinch / Associated Press)

“Rest in Peace Nelson #Mandela -- a true champion of #HumanRights. Peace - justice - love” — @johncusack  (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

“You have to love the Mandela life.” — @SteveMartinToGo  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

“A remarkable man and an inspiration to all. Remembering #NelsonMandela” — @BarbaraJWalters  (Charles Sykes / Invision / Associated Press)

“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.” — @joshgroban  (Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images)

“The Celebration in Heaven is delayed as the Rob[e] of Courage and The Crown of Humanity is prepared for He who walked upright for Civility. Glory is pulling on his Soul and Earth must relinquish his Spirit. He has fought the good fight and Won. We love you Mr. Mandela. You have given us your ALL. Rest and then soar with eagles and Angels into the Heavens where a great Celebration awaits your arrival. #mandela http://instagram.com/p/bD_YuUnULX/#” — @MCHammer  (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press)

“Today is officially one of the saddest days! The world has lost the most inspirational person to ever walk the earth rip #NelsonMandela” — @KellyOsbourne  (Richard Shotwell / Invision / Associated Press)

“‘A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination’- Nelson Mandela. Rest in peace, you great man. You will be missed.” — @emmacaulfield  (Christina House / For The Times)

“‘As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear ... our presence automatically liberates others.’ Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela” — @clarkgregg  (Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)

“R.I.P. Nelson Mandela. Humanity at its absolute best.” — @AlbertBrooks  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

“Rest in eternal peace, love and light #NelsonMandela” — @itsgabrielleu  (Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images)

“Nelson Mandela, rest in peace. What an unbelievable legacy ...” — @ActuallyNPH  (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

“Nelson Mandela rest in heavenly peace. Thank you for showing us what unyielding courage determination redemption & grace looks like. Amandla” — @DianneReeves1  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

“Rest in Paradise Mr. Nelson Mandela. Peaceful transition. Love & Light to All of Africa & Supporters Worldwide. #Mandela” — @GhostfaceKillah  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

“Oh no. Just heard. Madiba dead. One of the greatest ever to share the planet with us. #mandela” — @stephenfry  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

“There is a party in heaven. Angels are celebrating. The one and only #NelsonMandela has arrived. RIP” — @ricky_martin  (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)

“‘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” — @oliviamunn  (John Shearer / Invision / Associated Press)

“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” — @UncleRUSH  (Charles Sykes / Associated Press)

“Meeting Nelson Mandela at his house in Johannesburg was a truly memorable moment in life for me. He was an angel. pic.twitter.com/PaIX362rYX” — @Fergie  (Katy Winn / Associated Press)

“nelson mandela’s life has inspired us all. we lost a remarkable, inspiring, courageous human being today.” — @thelittleidiot  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ~Nelson Mandela” — @bobsaget  (Richard Shotwell / Associated Press)

“I’ve never been so honored to meet anyone #Mandela instagram.com/p/hjn_bGESsh/” — @JohnLegend  (Michael Buckner / Getty Images)

“Thank you Father Mandela! Our eternal hero!” — @omarepps  (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

“Prayers go out the Mandela family. #RIPMandela” — @realctucker  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“My thoughts tonight for #NelsonMandela Warrior for Peace https://www.facebook.com/SeanAstinPublic” — @SeanAstin  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)