Stan Lee Dead: 12 Quotes From Marvel Comics Legend

Stan Lee died Monday. He was 95.

The Marvel Comics co-creator died in Los Angeles, the New York Times reports. An ambulance took him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center early in the morning and he passed at the hospital. No cause of death has been reported yet.

His daughter, J.C. Lee, and his younger brother, Larry Lieber, survive Lee. His wife, Joan, died last year.

With a writing career dating back to 1939, Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) has more than a few memorable quotes. Take a look at some of his famous words below:

“Excelsior!”

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

“The thing is, I used to think what I did was not very important. People are building bridges and engaging in medical research and here I was doing stories about fictional people who do extraordinary, crazy things and wear costumes. But I suppose I have come to realize that entertainment is not easily dismissed. Beyond the meaning (of a work of art), it is important to people. Without it, lives can be dull. Singing a song, playing sports — anything that entertains, that takes people away from their own problems, is good. Sounds obvious, but it’s good to be reminded.” (Chicago Tribune)

“I never really had a favorite [character]; my favorite was always whichever one I was working on.” (NJ.com)

“The one important thing to remember is it isn’t just me. I came up with a lot of the original ideas and I wrote a lot of the original stories. But if we didn’t have the great artists that we have, and if we didn’t have the great writers who took over later on, and the great editors, I don’t think we would be where we are.” (CBR)

“I don’t have inspiration. I only have ideas. Ideas and deadlines.”

“I know that I need them more because it’s a good living! The world always needs heroes, whether they’re superheroes or not.” (The Big Issue)

“If kids of all types can identify with our heroes, it’s the most gratifying thing I can think of.” (Huffington Post)

“To be honest, I never thought I had that much impact. We just sold a lot of books, but a lot of it had to do with the artwork and the subject matter. All of a sudden, people were starting to talk about me as if I was a prominent writer, which was nice – but I just get on with what I’m doing. I enjoy what I do and it’s pretty exciting to still be working. I just wish I were a little younger.” (RadioTimes)

“I don’t want Brad Pitt or Leo DiCaprio to worry. I’ll stick to cameos.” (Washington Post)

“For years, kids have been asking me what's the greatest superpower. I always say luck. If you’re lucky, everything works. I’ve been lucky.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Nuff said.”