The news of the death of Nelson Mandela
broke during a royal gala screening of the
biographical film Long Walk to Freedom in
London.
The screening was attended by Prince William
and the Duchess of Cambridge, as well as two
of Mandela's daughters.
Idris Elba, who plays the former leader in the
film, called it an "honour to step into the
shoes of Nelson Mandela".
Prince William, who attended the screening,
said the news was "extremely sad and tragic".
The film is based on Mandela's autobiography,
published in 1995, and recounts his life from
his childhood, through his 27 years behind
bars, mostly in Robben Island prison, to
becoming South Africa's first black president in
1994.
Two of Mandela's daughters - Zindzi and
Zenani - were at the screening at the Odeon in
Leicester Square when they were told of the
death of their father.
Although they left the cinema, they insisted
that the film continue. Producer Anant Singh,
who Mandela personally awarded the book
rights to, announced the death at the end of
the screening, and asked for a moment of
silence.
British actor Elba later said: "What an honour
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.''
Also at the screening was Hollywood producer
Harvey Weinstein, whose film company is
behind the movie. "We count ourselves
unspeakably fortunate to have been immersed
in Nelson Mandela's story and legacy," he said.
"It's been an honour to have been granted
such proximity to a man who will go down as
one of the history's greatest freedom fighters
and advocates for justice.
"I have had the privilege of spending time with
President Mandela and I can say his sense of
humour was as great as his optimism.''
'Saint'
Morgan Freeman, who played Mandela in
Invictus, joined in the mass of tributes from
the entertainment world: "Today the world lost
one of the true giants of the past century,"
said Freeman.
"Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable
honour, unconquerable strength, and
unyielding resolve - a saint to many, a hero to
all who treasure liberty, freedom and the
dignity of humankind."
American actor Dennis Haysbert portrayed
Mandela in 2007's Goodbye Bafana, about the
relationship between Mandela and his prison
officer.
Haysbert said: "Portraying Nelson Mandela...
was a defining moment in my life and my
career. We as a society, have been blessed to
live in a time that Nelson Mandela has lived,
loved, and led.
"What he has done for his country, his
countrymen, and everyone on this planet may
not be achieved again. Ever. I will always
honour him as a saint.''
Music producer Quincy Jones said: "Today, as
it did while he inhabited our planet, Nelson
Mandela's spirit truly soars with the angels.
"It was a spirit born of a generosity, love,
compassion and hope for mankind that may
never exist at such a heightened level in any
single human being again. One of the most
profound honours that I have had in my life
was to be able to call Madiba my friend and
brother."
And singer Aretha Franklin said "a great man
has passed on and moved on up a little
higher".
She added: "Most extraordinarily was how he
rose above his being imprisoned and exalted
himself above apartheid and hatred to unite
the country - an unbelievable example of
humanitarianism and courage."
Jerry Dammers of The Specials fame wrote the
song Free Nelson Mandela in 1984, under The
Special AKA moniker, as a protest at Mandela's
incarceration.
Dammers said: "I met him very briefly twice. I
found myself part of the mob that surrounded
him, wherever he went after his release from
prison, which must have been quite hard for
him, but his endless positivity meant he always
remained incredibly good-natured, friendly
and smiling
"One thing that inspired me to write the song
Free Nelson Mandela was his statement, that
any attempt to get rid of apartheid was
welcome.
"In other words, whether your actions appear
to have any instant effect or not, every little
bit helps.
U2 frontman Bono collaborated with Mandela
on charity issues including poverty in South
Africa, as well being a vocal campaigner for his
release from prison.
He said: "It was as if he was born to teach the
age a lesson in humility, in humour and above
all else in patience.
"In the end, Nelson Mandela showed us how to
love rather than hate, not because he had
never surrendered to rage or violence, but
because he learnt that love would do a better
job.
"Mandela played with the highest stakes. He
put his family, his country, his time, his life
on the line, and he won most of these
contests.
"Our eyes were opened to so much because of
him."
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