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"46664: Give 1 Minute Of Your Life To AIDS" Concert - Show© GettyImages

International Nelson Mandela Day: Celebrities that had a chance to meet the beloved activist

From Queen Elizabeth and Oprah to David Beckham and Will Smith, these celebrities all had the chance to meet this inspirational leader


Andrea Pérez
Deputy Editor Miami
JULY 18, 2022 1:36 PM EDT

Today, July 18th is International Nelson Mandela Day. In 2009, the United Nations decided to honor the former president of South Africa every year on his birthday. Mandela, who is known as a symbol of peace and freedom around the world, had a profound impact in world history, he was able to negotiate and bring peace to his country, during a very racially divided time.

He didn’t stop there, for years to come, he continued to fight for human rights, inequality, racism and his efforts echoed around the world. In 1993, he was awarded The Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela left a mark on the world with his actions and memorable words about race, poverty, love and hate and more.

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

To pay tribute to his legacy, we gathered a collection of photos of many famous people that stood by him, became his friend or had a chance to meet this visionary leader.

FILE PHOTO: Queen Elizabeth Meets Nelson Manela© GettyImages

Queen Elizabeth II poses with Nelson Mandela at Buckingham Palace on May 3, 2000

SAFRICA-PRINCESS DI/MANDELA© GettyImages

South African President Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana in the Mandela’s home, in Cape Town, South Africa

S.AFRICA-MANDELA-CAMPBELL 2© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela hugs British supermodel Naomi Campbell

Former President Nelson Mandela with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson during the King of Pop's SA visit.© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela met with Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, during his visit to South Africa.

2002 Tribeca Film Festival - Opening Night Ceremony© GettyImages

Robert De Niro and Nelson Mandela during 2002 Tribeca Film Festival

"46664: Give 1 Minute Of Your Life To AIDS" Concert - Show© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela and Beyonce during the Give 1 Minute of Your Life To AIDS Concert

South African 2010 World Cup Bid© GettyImages

David Beckham posed with Nelson Mandela on May 21, 2003 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

46664 Celebrity Golf Tournament© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela and actor Will Smith participate in, “46664 Celebrity Golf Tournament”

Former President Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey at the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls School in Vaal, South Africa.© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey at the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls School in Vaal, South Africa.

One&Only Cape Town: Luncheon In Honour Of Nelson Mandela© GettyImages

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay met Nelson Mandela during a lunch to Benefit the Mandela Children’s Foundation in 2009

2002 Tribeca Film Festival - Opening Night Ceremony© GettyImages

NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Nelson Mandela, Robert De Niro and Hugh Grant at the 2002 Tribeca Film Festival

Former South African President Nelson Ma© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela and Annie Lennox during the ‘46664’ concert (a benefit for ads) in 2003

South Africa - Clinton - Mandela© GettyImages

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela visit the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa, at the Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, July 13, 2006.

Prince Charles, Nelson Mandela and Spice Girls in Charles' visit in Johannesburg, Southe Africa in November, 1997.© GettyImages

Prince Charles, Nelson Mandela and Spice Girls in Charles‘ visit in Johannesburg, Southe Africa in November, 1997.

Thanksgiving Dinner For The 46664 Give One Minute of Your Life to AIDS© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela with singer Bono at the Thanksgiving Dinner prior to the 46664 concert on November 27, 2003 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Nelson Mandela Photocall With Charlize Theron© GettyImages

Oscar winning Actress Charlize Theron wiping tears after meeting Nelson Mandela in 2004

NETHERLANDS-WEDDING-CHARLES-MANDELA© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela pictured here with Prince Charles at the People’s Party held at Amsterdam Aren, 01 February 2002.

SAFRICA-MANDELA-WONDER© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela congratulates Stevie Wonder after he performed a birthday song at a pop concert dubbed “Gift to the Nation” in honor of Mandela’s 80th birthday

Former South African President, Nelson M© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela photographed laughing with Hillary Clinton during a meeting in Johannesburg on August 7, 2009.

SOUTH AFRICA-DALAI LAMA-MANDELA© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela met the Dalai Lama

Nelson Mandela with Actress Whoopi Goldberg at Microphone© GettyImages

Whoopi Goldberg met Nelson Mandela in the 1990s

South African President Nelson Mandela (© GettyImages

Nelson Mandela with Pope John Paul II during their meeting at the Vatican 18 June 1998.