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Home · Celebrity

Nelson Mandela's Circle of Influence

The former President of South Africa was friends with some of the most interesting celebrities and newsmakers of our generation.
By Myeisha Essex · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Oprah Winfrey poses with Nelson Mandela at the groundbreaking ceremony for Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg in December 2002.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images
02
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Mandela talks with Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith at a photoshoot for his 90th birthday in London in 2008.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Terry O’Neill/Getty Images
03
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Beyonce Knowles gives Nelson Mandela a hug at the ‘Give 1 Minute To Aids’ Concert at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town in 2003.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Dave Benett/Getty Images
04
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Whoopi Goldberg shakes hands with Nelson Mandela at the opening night ceremony at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2002. 

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
KMazur/WireImage
05
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Nelson Mandela holds a conversation with Wesley Snipes at his official residence, Genadendal, while he was President of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Oryx Media Archive/Gallo Images/Getty Images
06
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Harry Belafonte and his wife pose with Nelson Mandela in Pretoria, South Africa in June 1999.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
THEMBA HADEBE/AFP/GettyImages
07
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Leona Lewis sits with Nelson Mandela at the InterContinental Hotel in London to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2008.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
08
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Bill Clinton shakes hands with South African President Nelson Mandela at a reception for African American religious leaders, black college presidents and members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1998.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images
09
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Nelson Mandela shares a hug with supermodel Naomi Campbell at his Cape Town home in 1998.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP/GettyImages
10
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Bill Cosby with his wife Camille Cosby visit Nelson Mandela’s old prison cell.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Oryx Media Archive/Gallo Images/Getty Images
11
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Michael Jackson poses with Nelson Mandela in Kwazulu-Natal on July 20, 1996.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
AFP/Getty Images
12
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Danny Glover, Nelson Mandela and Harry Belafonte share a moment in 1993.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Time Life Pictures/DMI/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
13
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years
First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Sasha and Malia visit Nelson Mandela at his home in Houghton, South Africa.
Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
14
Nelson Mandela’s Famous Friends Through the Years

Laila Ali meets Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Foundation during a trip to Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela’s Circle of Influence
Lettie Ferreira
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