Directors and actors across Marvel, DC, and Hollywood as a whole take to social media to bid farewell to Stan Lee, who ed away this morning at the age of 95. The legendary creator of Iron Man, Spider-Man, and X-Men, to name a few, is regarded as perhaps the most influential figure in all of comic book history. His friends, colleagues, and proteges are continuing to express both their grief and thanks for how the icon impacted their lives and careers.

Lee's ing was confirmed today by his daughter J.C Lee. He was born in 1922 in New York City, the headquarters of Marvel Entertainment and setting of many of Marvel's most memorable comic book adventures. After serving in the army, Lee revolutionized Marvel Comics, which was re-branded from Atlas Comics, as a writer and editor. In 1961, publication of his The Fantastic Four #1 went on to unexpected success, launching his comic book legacy. Lee became known as instrumental in redefining comic book character archetypes that led to the creation of hundreds of classic superheros and villains known for their complex motivations, interpersonal dynamics and inner-demons. His character-driven philosophy went on to inspire countless more comic series, and the multi-billion dollar grossing Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Related: Marvel Legend Stan Lee es Away At 95

Notable names from all over the film and television industry have come out to say goodbye to Lee. Stars of Marvel films, including (but not limited to) Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Tom Holland, Ryan Reynolds, Evangeline Lilly, Zachary Levi, and Winston Duke have taken to Twitter and Instagram. Marvel Studios' chief creative forces and directors, including Kevin Feige and Anthony and Joseph Russo have paid tribute as well. Check out a huge list of tributes to Lee below.

Lee's ing has already amassed well over 2 millions tweets in response, as the heartfelt messages from fans all over the world continue. Many devotees of the Marvel Universe (both comic books and movies) have recounted the ways in which the stories that Lee created or inspired helped them through their personal journeys and to feel less alone. Like Feige, Evans, and Downey Jr., many have referenced or used the hashtag Excelsior! - a tribute to Lee's signature catchphrase and one of his funniest cameos ever, in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Lee's ing also poses the heartbreaking question of what his last MCU cameo will be. With touching return to Twitter earlier this year:  "I love my fans. To me they're the greatest people, and I would do anything for them. Excelsior!”  It's more than clear at this point that his fans (and colleagues) loved him back.

MORE: All of Stan Lee's Marvel Movie Cameos

Source: Various (see above)