Gone, but never, ever forgotten.
When news broke Wednesday night that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer at age 56, the loss — and his legacy — was felt far, far beyond Silicon Valley.
But one of the first to pay his condolences was Jobs' peer and friendly rival, Bill Gates.
"I'm truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs' death," the Microsoft founder, 55, said in a statement.
"Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives. The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."
The tributes from Hollywood — who harnessed the technology that Jobs and Apple brought forth to revolutionize movies, music, TV and pop culture at large — came pouring in.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg: "Steve Jobs was the greatest inventor since Thomas Edison. He put the world at our fingertips."
Filmmaker George Lucas: "The magic of Steve was that while others simply accepted the status quo, he saw the true potential in everything he touched and never compromised on that vision. He leaves behind an incredible family and a legacy that will continue to speak to people for years to come."
Ashton Kutcher: "I never thought I could be so busted up about the loss of someone I never met. #stevejobs. Sending love & light to everyone @Apple & the entire Jobs family. Today we lost a Giant who will be missed even by those who didn't know him."
Neil Patrick Harris: "Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. Your genius will live on for generations to come…"
Tyra Banks: "As I type on my iPhone, tears spring2 my eyes4an amazingMan I never met. His genius has touched us all. Steve Jobs, you will b/with us 4ever"
Pete Wentz: "There are few people who have made an impression in every area of the modern world. Steve Jobs was a such a person – a modern Leonardo da Vinci. He changed the way we thought about art, design, invention, and the future by combining them all. He has been someone that taught me it's important to believe in what you do no matter how against the grain or revolutionary it is. He was a true visionary in every sense of the word."
Jimmy Fallon: "Thank you, Steve Jobs, for all of the fun and amazing ways you made our lives better….Sent from my iPhone."
Dianna Agron: "We never met, yet I stand beside members of this giant playground that you discovered for us. We use it every day, never tiring of the sand."
Alyssa Milano: "Rest in peace, Steve Jobs. You were always a big part of my world with your special inventions. Thank you for your brain."
Ricky Martin: "Where is the excitement gonna come from. We won't see another you in this lifetime. Thank you for everything Steve! :o("
Ian Somerhalder: "My heart and gratitude go out,like so many of us,to Steve Jobs and his family.You Sir are one of the greatest minds the world will ever see."
Charlize Theron: "RIP Steve Jobs, a true visionary."
