Stan Lee, the mastermind behind some of the Marvel universe’s most beloved superheroes and storylines, passed away earlier this week at the age of 95.
According to a family representatives, he died early Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
In addition to being the former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comic Books, he was also the creator of such famous storybook icons as Spiderman, Iron Man, the Mighty Thor, Daredevil, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, and Black Panther.
Though he had humble beginnings as the son of a poor Romanian immigrant who worked as a dress cutter in New York City, Lee eventually landed a position with Timely Comics that paid $8 per week, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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As his comic book empire grew over the decades, he went on to sell Marvel Entertainment to The Walt Disney Co. for $4 billion in 2009.
The Marvel movie series has since given birth to some of the world’s highest-grossing superhero box office flicks of all time.
We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and .... to have helped bring one of his characters to life. #StanLee #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/iOdefi7iYz
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 12, 2018
There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so, so, so many lives. Excelsior!!
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) November 12, 2018
RIP my friend. Thank you for the incredible adventures your stories took all of us on. My love and support goes out to all your friends and family #stanlee #legend pic.twitter.com/pTGY8Ffieg
— Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) November 13, 2018
Lots of love for Stan Lee at his star on the Hollywood walk of fame. #RIPStanLee pic.twitter.com/isG7jnGa2D
— Dustin Sandoval (@DustinMSandoval) November 13, 2018
Celebrities and fans have been quick to pay tribute to Lee on social media. Many actors who worked alongside Lee for the Marvel movies, such as Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth, have also expressed their love for the late writer.
“Stan Lee was as extraordinary as the characters he created,” Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
“A superhero in his own right to Marvel fans around the world, Stan had the power to inspire, to entertain and to connect,” added Iger. “The scale of his imagination was only exceeded by the size of his heart.”
(WATCH Marvel’s video tribute below)
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