Stan Lee, writer, editor and hero to many Marvel comic fans, has died at age 95.
Early reports from TMZ stated that Lee was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from his Hollywood Hills home on Monday (Nov. 12). The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Lee died at the hospital. Lee, along with artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, created and co-created Black Panther, Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Mighty Thor, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil and Ant-Man, and many others that went on to shape the comic book industry and its current reign in Hollywood.
Born Stanley Martin Lieber, the New York native started his comic career in the 1930s and played all roles including, editor, writer, and publisher. He got his first writing credit in “Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge” in Captain America Comics issue No. 6. After adapting his moniker Stan Lee as his real name, he went on to serve in World War II and came back to Marvel, then known as Atlas Comics.
Several wins and creations followed like the birth of Black Panther, Hulk, Thor, The Fantastic Four, Daredevil and endless others. In the ’70s, his profile boosted after he became the face of Marvel at spaces like Comic Con. The comics made their way to television and later, the big screen. While Lee didn’t have royalties from Marvel, his empire continued to grow with other projects. In addition to magic made with his characters, he was praised for giving them actual flaws and relatable personalities.
In an April 2018 investigation by THR, it was revealed Lee’s estate was worth upwards of $70 million, leading to reports of a tug of war between his only daughter J.C. Lee and her associates. Lee refuted the reports with a video stating that his relationship with J.C. had never been better. “Anybody who is saying anything [else] … is just spreading lies,” he said.
Lee’s ceremonial place in Marvel history has always been adored — including a cameo in nearly every film. Before battling several illnesses, Lee would often be jovial and, at times, bouncy to fan’s delight. Stan made his first real cameo as the trial foreman in the trial of Bruce Banner in the 1989 TV movie, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk.
Lee is survived by his daughter J.C. and younger brother Larry Lieber. His wife, Jan, who he married in 1947, died last year.
Fans have shared on social media their love and condolences to Lee’s family.
Thank u Stan Lee for everything.
— TRAVIS SCOTT (@trvisXX) November 12, 2018
Thank you Stan Lee for making people who feel different realize they are special.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/RealLifeKaz/status/1062069003600969729
You made growing up in my neighborhood a brighter place. Stan Lee
— Tommy Flanagan (@TommyFlanagan) November 12, 2018
Rest in peace, Stan Lee. The many worlds of imagination & delight you created for humanity will last forever.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) 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 @TheRealStanLee He made everyone feel like a kid in his presence no matter what your age. pic.twitter.com/JYeWXq8iKb
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/letitiawright/status/1062063420319633408
Thank you Stan Lee. For your service in protecting our freedom and for your creativity and imagination! You were and will always be a SUPER HERO! pic.twitter.com/d1qpuImyzQ
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/terrycrews/status/1062062793698865152
Damn… RIP Stan. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/TMAaDJSOhh
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 12, 2018
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