Stan Lee Dead at 95: Marvel and More Hollywood Stars Pay Tribute

Stan Lee, the mastermind behind many of Marvel Comics' biggest properties, has died. He was 95.

According to TMZ, an ambulance was called to Lee's Hollywood Hills home early Monday morning. He was then rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Over the last year, Lee had suffered several illnesses, including pneumonia and vision issues.

Born Stanley Martin Lieber, the comic book legend started Marvel Comics in collaboration with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko back in 1961. Their first success was with The Fantastic Four. Lee went on to create iconic superhero franchises such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Iron Man and The Avengers. He was also known for making cameo appearances in a ton of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Lee served as Marvel Comics editor-in-chief, then as the company's publisher, then as chairman. He left the company to become its chairman emeritus as well as a member of the editorial board.

In 2002, Lee's relationship with Marvel turned sour and he sued the company for royalties he claimed he was owed for the first "Spider-Man" movie. Three years later, he settled the case for $10 million.

Lee is survived by his daughter, Joan (aka J.C.). His wife of 69 years, also named Joan, died in 2017.

Marvel stars and Hollywood fans alike immediately began mourning the legend. Scarlett Johansson -- who portrayed Black Widow in "The Avengers" franchise -- told The Hollywood Reporter, "The galaxy just gained another Dog Star. Thankful every day to be a small part of Stan's universe. He was a legendary visionary and a true artist."

See more tributes below.

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