Marvel Co-Creator Stan Lee Dead At 95

Marvel Comics icon and co-creator, Stan Lee, has sadly passed away.

On Monday morning, Nov. 12, 2018, the comic book legend died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was taken from his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., TMZ reports. He was 95 years old.

Lee, whose wife of 69 years, Joan Lee, passed away at 93 years old in July 2017, is survived by his daughter, J.C., and younger brother, Larry Lieber. For her part, J.C. told the media outlet, "My father loved all of his fans. He was the greatest, most decent man."

At the time of this writing, further details surrounding Lee's passing have yet to be revealed. However, as Nicki Swift previously reported, his health had unfortunately worsened throughout 2018. In late January, he was hospitalized after experiencing shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. Meanwhile, the following month he shared an online video message with fans in which he revealed that he'd been battling pneumonia.

Readers may already be aware that Lee famously co-created a number of Marvel's most beloved comic book heroes, including the likes of Iron Man, Black Panther, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he began what would become the Marvel empire with artist-writer Jack Kirby back in 1961. However, in more recent years, Lee has become known to audiences for his popular cameos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

After news of Lee's passing broke, a number of fans and celebrities took to social media to mourn his loss while sharing their thoughts and expressing their love, gratitude, and condolences. For his part, Iron Man star Robert Downey, Jr. posted a short but sweet tribute on Instagram, writing, "I owe it all to you,,, Rest In Peace Stan." Meanwhile, Captain America star Chris Evans tweeted, "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!!" 

Marvel producer Kevin Feige shared, "No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!" Meanwhile, X-Men star Hugh Jackman tweeted, "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."

As Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote alongside three broken heart emojis, "He lives forever through his work. What a giant. With great power comes immortality."

Our thoughts are with Lee's loved ones during this difficult time.