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Kobe Byrant death: Mark Hamill, Ben Affleck, Jack Nicholson mourn the death of NBA legend

'There’s a big hole in the wall,' says an emotional Jack Nicholson reacting to the unexpected death of Kobe Byrant

Much of Hollywood is still in shock following the tragic and unexpected passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on January 26.

Mark Hamill was amongst those to share his feelings about Bryant, remembering him fondly. 

Hamill posted a tweet containing pictures of Bryant winning the Oscars in 2018 for Best Animated Short, which Bryant wrote and narrated. It was Hamill himself who handed Bryant the award at the ceremony. "Kobe won the Best Animated Short #AcademyAward for writing & narrating #DearBasketball (music by #JohnWilliams)-It was his heartfelt love-letter to the game that made him a legend & a superstar. It was an honor to present him his much-deserved Oscar," Hamill wrote. 

Longtime Lakers fan Jack Nicholson had this to say to CBS LA when reached for a comment, "My reaction is the same as almost all of LA., where we think everything’s solid, there’s a big hole in the wall. I was used to seeing and talking to Kobe that… it kills you. It’s just a terrible event." "I teased him the first time we met," Nicholson recalled. "It was at the Garden in New York and I offered him a basketball and asked him if he wanted me to autograph it for him. He looked at me like I was crazy.”

Ben Affleck offered thoughts and prayers to Kobe's family. "My thoughts and prayers are with Kobe Bryant’s family, and the families of all those involved. Today reminds us just how short and precious life is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate life while we can. Rest In Peace Mamba," he tweeted. 

'Morbius' star Tyrese Gibson urged his followers to pray for Kobe Bryant's wife and family on a series of Instagram post in tribute to Bryant's family. "To all of my prayer warriors please write OUT and make it as long as needed pray for Kobe’s wife and his family."