A number of celebrities paid their respects to former South African president Nelson Mandela on Dec. 5, just hours after the Royal premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and on the same day as his death.

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.#southafricanhero #inspiration #gratitude."

Rihanna: "One of the greatest men who's ever lived!!! #LegendWe 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. #NelsonMandela you made your people proud!! We'll always love you for it!"

Morgan Freeman: "Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century. Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve---a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind. 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."

Freeman played the South African leader in the 2009 film Invictus.

Idris Elba: "I'm stunned, crushed, in mourning with you and his family, I feel only honoured to have portrayed him. He's in a better place now. RIP NM."

Elba plays the former South African president in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

Ellen DeGeneres: "Today we lost the world's greatest advocate for peace and change. Nelson Mandela was a hero to so many. Rest in peace."

Serena Williams: "Nelson Mandela led one if the most impactful lives of our time. Meeting him helped me to understand life is full of ups and downs......But how you recover from the downs and how you can help people no matter what race or background by your choices and decisions.....One life - Nelson Mandela's life changed many. May his legacy live forever. Rev 21:4."

Kim Kardashian: "R.I.P. Nelson Mandela...may your principles of love be the guiding light for future generations."

Kelly Osbourne: "Today is officially one of the saddest days! The world has lost the most inspirational person to ever walk the earth rip."

Jennifer Hudson: "Mr. Mandela fought for freedoms and equality that changed South Africa and the world. We can all learn from his extraordinary journey."

Hillary Clinton: "Nelson Mandela was a champion for justice & human dignity, with unmatched grace. I'll remember him as Madiba, truly an unconquerable soul."

Oprah Winfrey: "One of the great honors of my life was to be invited to Nelson Mandela's home, spend private time and get to know him. He was everything you've ever heard and more - humble and unscathed by bitterness. And he always loved to tell a good joke. Being in his presence was like sitting with grace and majesty at the same time. He will always be my hero. His life was a gift to us all."

Justin Timberlake: "One of our GREATEST leaders... Thank you for BEING the true meaning of compassion. May you be at peace now."

Melanie 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."

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