"We lost a good one": Dwayne Johnson pays emotional tribute to his friend Stan Lee
Stan Lee, Marvel Comics creator and all-round legend, didn't just create superheroes for his fans but was a superhero in many ways for people across generations. Unfortunately for all of us die-hard comic fans, Lee passed away on November 12, with the news of his death garnering reactions from fans, celebrities, and actors who all paid their respects to the incredible superstar who made being weird a normal thing.
One actor in particular who paid tribute to Lee was Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, with whom the elderly icon had a pretty well-documented relationship. The former WWE wrestling legend shared a heartbreaking post on his Instagram account thanking Lee for the friendship and support as well as saying, "We lost a good one".
He wrote: "We lost a good one. What a man and what a life. Marvel's original superhero and co-creator of IRON MAN, SPIDER-MAN, THE HULK, X-MEN etc. When I first broke into Hollywood, years ago he was so warm and welcoming to me - I'll never forget it. He gave me very sage advice on navigating a career, that I'll always carry. What a life he's lived and how awesome that his imagination and universe creation impacted generations around the world, and for generations to come. Rest in love, my friend."
Over the years since their friendship started, the pair became very close and Lee even took time out of his busy schedule shooting cameos to introduce the former wrestler at Comic Con 2017 in LA when the actor was on a promotional tour for the remake of 'Jumanji'.
Lee said at the time: "He is one of the best action actors in the business, one of the nicest guys in the business, one of the biggest, strongest guys in the business, and when you see him I want you to remember he was a 97lbs until I gave him all those instructions and how to build himself up."
Johnson has since thanked the elderly man for his kind words. He said: "Years had gone by, but at Stan's #LAComicCon I had the opportunity to hug him again and say thank you. I was also truly moved yesterday by his words regarding the career I've been fortunate enough to build."
Lee was reportedly rushed to the Cedar Sinai-Medical Center, which is not far from his home in Hollywood Hills, on November 12 morning. The comic book legend was pronounced dead at the hospital.