Celebs React to Death of George Michael

This year, the music world has already lost some legendary musicians, such as Prince, David Bowie, [...]

By Jay Jayson - November 8, 2017 04:29 pm EST

This year, the music world has already lost some legendary musicians, such as Prince, David Bowie, Sharon Jones, and Leonard Cohen. And today, it lost one more: two-time Grammy winner George Michael.

According to Michael's longtime manager Michael Lippman (via THR), the English singer and songwriter died of heart failure on Christmas morning. Michael was 53.

The news, obviously, is both shocking and sad. Celebrities from all over have been paying tribute to Michael via their social media account. Click on our "Start Slideshow" to see how Michael's peers — including Duran Duran, Ellen DeGeneres, James Corden, William Shatner, Randy Jackson, Russell Crowe, Brian Wilson, George Takei, Josh Groban, and Gloria Gaynor — are mourning his loss.

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

Michael rose to fame in the early-'80s with Wham!, a music duo he started with his best friend, fellow Bushey Meads Comprehensive student Andrew Ridgeley. The pop duo is best known for their catchy tunes "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Young Guns (Go For It)" (both written and composed by Michael). In 1984, while still performing with Wham!, Michael put out "Careless Whisper." The single topped the charts in America and over ten other countries. In spring 1986, Wham! broke up and Michael went on to have a very successful solo career — topping the stateside and international charts once again with "Faith," "Father Figure," and "I Want Your Sex."

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Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family and friends.

Slide 1

2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016

Slide 2

I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016

Slide 3

George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 26, 2016

Slide 4

My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael--an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016

Slide 5

This one hurts. RIP George Michael. This was a huge song for me, and whenever I hear it, it brings me back. https://t.co/Q8bpbmqx7r
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 26, 2016

Slide 6

Very sad to hear that George Michael passed. He was a very talented musician and singer. Love & mercy to his family, friends and fans.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) December 25, 2016

Slide 7

Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016

Slide 8

Listening to @GeorgeMichael and feeling him ! One of the greatest singer/songwriter passed away...#faith #RIP
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 25, 2016

Slide 9

Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 26, 2016

Slide 10

I literally was watching this over and over again last week getting ready. #RIPGeorgeMichael https://t.co/jdK7s3gwWG
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) December 25, 2016

Slide 11

Another beautiful voice gone too soon. #ripgeorgemichael
— josh groban (@joshgroban) December 26, 2016

Slide 12

It better not be true bout George Michael
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 25, 2016

Slide 13

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

Slide 14

I pray George Michael finally finds peace. A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar.
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) December 25, 2016

Slide 15

RIP George Michael. Far far too young. https://t.co/P5tWcRPkWe
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 25, 2016

Slide 16

Ah man. George Michael? No need! #RIPGeorge. Such a sad loss. D
— antanddec (@antanddec) December 25, 2016

Slide 17

Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016

Slide 18

R.I.P. George Michael...
Thankful for the music...
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) December 26, 2016

Slide 19

RIP George Michael. Gone too soon.
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) December 25, 2016

Slide 20

Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016

Slide 21

So sorry to hear of the passing of George Michael. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) December 25, 2016

Slide 22

Oh my god. RIP George Michael. So very sad. What a terrible year.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) December 25, 2016

Slide 23

RIP George Michael
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 25, 2016

Slide 24

I can't deal with this. One of my ALL TIME favorites. RIP George Michael and I really hate writing that so much. https://t.co/1cRJBMgYga
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 25, 2016

Slide 25

Wow. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/sVgRYnfm6J
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 25, 2016

Slide 26

I still believe that music is one of the greatest gifts that God gave to man. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/Ammqi2ZTup
— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) December 25, 2016

Slide 27

George Michael?!?!? Nooooooo! 2016 has been brutal. Show ppl you love them everyday. Life is too short
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 26, 2016

Slide 28

Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed.
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 25, 2016

Slide 29

Such sad news #RIP #GeorgeMichael https://t.co/bxnCECQqHC
— Leeza Gibbons (@LeezaGibbons) December 26, 2016

Slide 30

Okay, I held off on calling it but it's official. Darkest Timeline. Godspeed George Michael. Fuck you 2016, you heartless fucking soul eater
— (((Dan Harmon))) (@danharmon) December 26, 2016

Slide 32

R.I.P George Michael. Mari and I and our family are gutted. He was a true gentleman, one of the… https://t.co/f0SiZjonpQ
— Rob Thomas (@ThisIsRobThomas) December 26, 2016

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