Nelson Mandela Fun Facts, Quotes and Tweets


12th December 2013

Fact: Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA has become the latest musician to pay tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a song. The hip-hop star released Gift Of Hope online on Wednesday (11Dec13). The track features vocals from singer Will Wells, who he recently collaborated with on a tribute track for late Hollywood star Paul Walker.


11th December 2013

Fact: Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge paid their respects to the late Nelson Mandela on Wednesday (11Dec13) by visiting South Africa House in London's Trafalgar Square and signing a condolence book. The royals were attending the U.K. premiere of the civil rights icon's biopic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, last Thursday (05Dec13) when news of the politician's passing broke.


9th December 2013

Quote: "He was one of the three people I wanted to meet in my life and I got a chance to meet him. And this is about the celebration of his life for me... Almost a third of his life in prison, and to come out and to forgive the people that put you there and rise to power and not use that power against them, that is a wonderful person who is a lesson to all humanity. We're very fortunate to be on the planet the same time he was." Actor/director Tyler Perry pays tribute to Nelson Mandela, who passed away last week (begs02Dec13) at the age of 95.


7th December 2013

Fact: R&B star R. Kelly paid tribute to late civil rights icon Nelson Mandela on U.S. Tv on Thursday night (05Dec13) by performing a special track in his memory during an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show. The singer composed Soldier's Heart before meeting the former South African leader years ago and played it in the late politician's living room. Recalling the incident, Kelly said, "He just nodded his head, man - he was very happy and very honoured, as I was being in his presence."


6th December 2013

Tweet: "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." British actor Idris Elba, who plays Nelson Mandela in new movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, tweeted his reaction to the civil rights icon's death on Thursday (05Nov13).


6th December 2013

Tweet: "What an amazing life lead by Madiba. A light & inspiration to the world. The privilege of spending a small amount of private time w/ (with) Mr. Mandela as he held my baby daughter, is a highlight of my life. Mandela was bouncing Ava, then two yrs (sic) old, on his knee & called her, 'future leader'. I couldn't believe it in that moment. I still can't." Actor Ryan Phillippe remembers late civil rights icon Nelson Mandela.


20th November 2013

Quote: "I'm an honorary Mandela now. His daughter Zindzi calls me 'Dad'. It's weird, but it's cool!" British actor Idris Elba is flattered to have won over Nelson Mandela's family with his portrayal of the former South African president in new movie, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.


21st October 2013

Fact: Rockers U2 have released a new song from their upcoming album for the soundtrack of Idris Elba's Nelson Mandela biopic. The group wrote and recorded Ordinary Love for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and it will be included on its new album, which will be released early in 2014. It will be the band's first album since 2009's No Line on the Horizon.


10th October 2013

Fact: A hard-hitting new movie based on Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, has been chosen for this year's (13) Royal Film Performance in Britain. The acclaimed film, starring Idris Elba as Mandela, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada last month (Sep13), and now it will be screened for members of the British royal family in December (13). Justin Chadwick's biopic also features actress Naomie Harris as Mandela's second wife Winnie.


25th June 2013

Tweet: "Nelson Mandela... one of the most incredible men to ever walk this earth!!! Sending prayers up to the Heavens for you! Angel on Earth." Pop star Rihanna sends her best wishes to ailing civil rights icon Nelson Mandela, who is critically ill in hospital.


24th June 2013

Quote: "All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth. He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world. I believe he is at peace." Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter Makaziwe's hopes for her father's imminent passing. The former South African leader and human rights hero is in critical condition in a Pretoria hospital.


21st June 2012

Fact: Soccer ace David Beckham has been named one of the "five gentleman of 2012" by Britain's Country Life magazine thanks to his good manners. Others on the list include South African politician Nelson Mandela for his quiet dignity, and actor Colin Firth for self-deprecation.


17th May 2012

Tweet: "Have finished my 2nd marathon and am knackered. I seem to remember this gets a little easier." British actor Eddie Izzard is already struggling with his challenge to complete 27 charity marathons in 27 consecutive days in tribute to former South African leader Nelson Mandela's 27 years in prison.


16th May 2012

Tweet: "Finished my first marathon. Only 26 more marathons to go." British actor Eddie Izzard kicked off his South African mega-marathon on Tuesday (15May12). He is running 27 charity marathons in 27 consecutive days to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela's 27 years in prison.


23rd August 2011

Fact: Nelson Mandela has launched his own clothing and accessories line - the beloved humanitarian has endorsed a new collection of menswear. The proceeds from sales will benefit Aids awareness campaigns.


18th July 2010

Fact: Former South African president Nelson Mandela celebrated his 92nd birthday on Sunday (18Jul10), proclaimed by the United Nations the first annual Nelson Mandela International Day.


18th July 2009

Fact: Model-turned-singer CARLA BRUNI-SARKOZY's New York concert on Saturday (18Jul09) in which she'll mark the 91st birthday of Nelson Mandela, will be her first since becoming France's first lady in February 2008. The Italian-born songstress will join an all-star line-up, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, as they celebrate the former South African president and his legacy at Radio City Music Hall.


15th December 2008

Quote: "I'm not certain I'm actor enough yet... I need to make sure I'm man enough." Will Smith isn't sure he's ready to play Nelson Mandela and Marvin Gaye in upcoming movies.


21st August 2008

Fact: Former South African President Nelson Mandela has signed over his Cape Town home to the city for use as a living museum. The project - announced on Wednesday (20Aug08) - will see Mandela's home become an "investment for young people".


27th June 2008

Quote: "I'm only a poor actress, I can't afford this." British star Emma Thompson refused to pay $800,000 (GBP400,000) for a painting at a charity auction hosted by Hollywood star Will Smith at Nelson Mandela's birthday dinner on Wednesday night (25Jun08).


27th June 2008

Fact: U.S. TV host Oprah Winfrey paid $2.2 million (GBP1.1 million) for a handwritten quote from Nelson Mandela at a charity auction following the former South African president's birthday dinner in London on Wednesday (25Jun08) - after fighting off stiff competition from singer SIR Elton John.


10th June 2008

Fact: Matt Damon has signed on to play the captain of South Africa's 1995 World Cup-winning rugby team in a new film about Nelson Mandela's life. The movie about the country's former president will be directed by actor-turned-moviemaker Clint Eastwood.


6th May 2008

Fact: Former South African President Nelson Mandela will sell 46,664 tickets for his 90th birthday concert this summer (Jun08) - it is his old prison number.


28th April 2008

Fact: Leona Lewis has signed up to perform at Nelson Mandela's star-studded 90th birthday concert in London's Hyde Park this summer (08). Playing in front of an expected audience of 45,000, the gig will be the largest concert of her career so far. She joins stars including Amy Winehouse, Duffy and Eminem.


11th April 2008

Quote: "I'll have to get in touch with him. Perhaps I'll send him a special video message." Former SPICE GIRL Geri Halliwell plans on marking former South African president Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday in June (08) in style.


17th May 2007

Fact: Supermodel Kate Moss has beaten Nelson Mandela to be voted the 'greatest icon of our time' in a new survey by a campaign to mark Museums and Galleries Month in the U.K. The former president of South Africa took second place.


Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela Quick Links

News Pictures Quotes RSS
Artists
Actors
    Filmmakers
      Artists
      Bands
        Musicians
          Artists
          Celebrities
             
              Artists
              Interviews