As former South African President, Nelson Mandela worked to bring peace to a nation, a handful of actors worked to bring his character to life on the big screen.
Idris Elba and Morgan Freeman both portrayed Mandela, who died Thursday, at the age of 95, after years of poor health. Both actors stated they were honored to be able "to say they were able to impersonate such an icon in film."
Elba, who is the most recent actor to portray anti-apartheid leader in "Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom" released a statement following the South African leader's death.
"What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family," Elba said, according to E! News.
"Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom", which was released on Nov. 27, in limited theaters, was based on Mandela's own autobiography, "Long Walk To Freedom". Elba said he was stunned by the death of Mandela and was mourning with the rest of the world and the Mandela family.
"We have lost one of the greatest human beings to have walked this earth, I only feel honored to be associated with him," Elba said. "He is in a better place now."
"He taught us to fight back with peace," Elba's costar, Naomie Harris said in a released a statement. "Long before we made this movie, I was inspired, as so many have been, by the leadership, grace and compassion of Nelson Mandela. While no single film can replicate a person's life, I am very proud to be part of our tribute to this extraordinary man. His accomplishments and approach to peace are lessons that will live on for generations."
According to producer Anant Singh, Mandela reportedly saw a few scenes from film before his death and was reportedly happy with Elba's performance.
"He saw Idris Elba as the old Mandela in the Mandela prosthetics and he says, 'Is that me?'" Singh said. "And it was very cute and he smiled and laughed, so it was very good."
Freeman portrayed Mandela in the 2009 film "Invictus" which chronicled Mandela's first term as the South African President trying to reunite a broken nation.
"Today the world lost one of the true giants of the past century," Freeman said. "Nelson Mandela was a man of incomparable honor, unconquerable strength, and unyielding resolve, a saint to many, a hero to all who treasure liberty, freedom and the dignity of humankind. As we remember his triumphs, let us, in his memory, not just reflect on how far we've come, but on how far we have to go. Madiba may no longer be with us, but his journey continues on with me and with all of us."
