Though Stan Lee and Star Trek aren’t two things you’d usually associate with one another, the comic book legend does have a connection to the sci-fi franchise. It may not be a substantial one, but Marvel Comics actually published a number of Trek series, mini-series and standalones in the early 1980s and late 90s. And though Stan the Man is obviously more known for his contributions to pop culture involving costumed crusaders – think Spider-Man, Black Panther, the X-Men, etc. – he’s still got his ties to the franchise that Gene Roddenberry spawned all those years ago.
As such, countless Star Trek actors, from across the various TV shows and movies that’ve been released over the decades, have come forth to pay their respects to the man following his tragic death earlier this week. Including but not limited to, we have tributes from Patrick Stewart, Karl Urban, LeVar Burton, Zoe Saldana and many more, and you can check them all out down below.
Thank you, Stan. You inspired us all… pic.twitter.com/7trQ9wV28d
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) November 12, 2018
What can I say about the loss of a visionary who created one of my favorite characters I've ever played? Stan Lee's fun-loving wit, charm, and poetic legacy will keep him alive for generations to come. My heart hurts, and he will be sorely missed.#StanLee #RIP @TheRealStanLee pic.twitter.com/EPST2GkNTu
— Doug Jones (@actordougjones) November 12, 2018
Today we lost one of the greats. @TheRealStanLee, you were a inspiration and superhero to us all. Thank you for contributing so much- and giving us all something to aspire to! 💚
#ripstanlee pic.twitter.com/GzFhwgU0WA— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) November 12, 2018
Stan Lee. A phenomenon. RIP
— Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) November 12, 2018
I was nine when I bought this comic and it blew my little mind. Thank you and bless you Stan. ‘Nuff Said! #StanLee pic.twitter.com/egAGlFjcSp
— Adam Nimoy (@adam_nimoy) November 12, 2018
Sad news indeed. Our hearts are with all those who knew and loved @TheRealStanLee. https://t.co/Bk49tBoQW4
— Gates Plays (@gates_plays) November 12, 2018
Saddened to hear about @TheRealStanLee’s passing. Condolences to his daughter.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) November 12, 2018
Oh nooooooo. Stan. Rest In peace, lovely, brilliant man.
— Chase Masterson 😳 (@ChaseMasterson) November 12, 2018
Excelsior.
— Bo Yeon Kim (@extspace) November 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/Marina_Sirtis/status/1062102124459446272
It’s clear from these messages that even though a lot of these actors never directly worked with Stan or portrayed any of the characters he created, he still had a tremendous impact on their lives. And that’s really been the case for most people who’ve been paying tribute this week, with everyone from Hollywood A-listers like Dwayne Johnson to even Elon Musk showing their respect for the industry icon.
Though most of us never had the privilege of knowing Stan Lee in person, his legacy persists in the world and so long as the characters he helped create continue to evolve and find new audiences, which they will, his memory will remain in our midst.
