FIVE CELEBRITIES WHO ATTENDED NELSON MANDELA'S MEMORIAL SERVICE

By Alex Marin

Though hundreds of world leaders and global celebrities gathered in Johannesburg to pay tribute to Madiba, these five celebrities were specially close to the late leader.

World leaders such as President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande, and global celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Naomi Campbell, congregated Tuesday morning on FNB Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, to pay tribute to the late anti-apartheid hero and first black South African President Nelson Mandela who passed away on December 5 at 95. Here are five celebrities in attendance who either worked with the late leader or called him "friend."
1. Naomi Campbell: One of Mandela's "Honorary Granddaughters," Campbell attended the service and posted this photo of President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro to exemplify the reconciliation Madiba practiced in life.

Naomi Campbell Model , Actress, Activist Add

#Madiba this is what Tata can do ! #Obama # Castro #unite

16h

2. Charlize Theron: The Academy Award-winning South African actress was also present at Mandela's memorial, where she blew a kiss to the audience. She and the late leader met in 2004.

Wikimedia Commons

3. Bono: U2's front man was another high-profile celebrity who paid tribute to Mandela in Johannesburg. "As an activist I have pretty much been doing what Mandela tells me since I'm a teenager," he wrote.

Wikimedia Commons

4. Oprah Winfrey: The talk show host and actress was another high-profile celebrity in attendance. Oprah, who calls Mandela "a friend," says he inspired her to create an all-girl leadership academy in South Africa.

Wikimedia Commons

5. Bill Gates: The founder of Microsoft was also present at the memorial. He, his wife Melinda and Nelson Mandela worked together to reverse AIDS in South Africa.