Neil Armstrong's historic deeds managed to inspire many around the world, despite his insistence he was just a nerd.
"I am, and ever will be, a white-sock, pocket-protector, nerdy engineer," Armstrong once remarked.
Some of those who admired him most are taking time to remember the legendary astronaut, whose death at 82 was announced Saturday.
PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2012
Buzz Aldrin, who accompanied Armstrong on the Apollo 11 moon mission, released a statement praising his colleague.
"Even though we were farther away from earth than two humans had ever been, we were not alone," Aldrin said.
World leaders and entertainment icons are also marking Armstrong's passing. Here is a sampling of notable reactions to the astronaut's life and death.
Neil Armstrong: One giant leap.. to the arms of God.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 25, 2012#OhioHero#Wapokonetta
Neil Armstrong was a hero not just of his time, but of all time. Thank you, Neil, for showing us the power of one small step. -bo
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 25, 2012
Thanks Neil Armstrong for bringing the moon into our living rooms & curiosity into our minds. One giant loss for mankind.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 25, 2012
Neil Armstrong today takes his place in the hall of heroes. The moon will miss its first son of earth.
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 25, 2012
Neil Armstrong didn't die, that guy ascended! And showed us all how to follow a dream, no matter how impossible it may have seemed. RIP
— David Hewlett (@dhewlett) August 25, 2012
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Neil Armstrong. He was an amazing man who touched many with his inspirational actions.
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) August 25, 2012
"I was the first man on the moon" must've been the best pick up line.
— Savan Kotecha (@Savan_Kotecha) August 25, 2012#RIP_Neil_Armstrong
Great men leave big footprints. RIP, Neil Armstrong.
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) August 25, 2012
When Neil Armstrong took his small step, Americans knew we could overcome any obstacle. May he continue to inspire future generations.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) August 25, 2012
"one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." RIP Neil Armstrong.
— Rebecca Black (@MsRebeccaBlack) August 25, 2012
"Next time you see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.” Family statement: nasa.gov/topics/people/…
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 25, 2012
Happy trails to the next great unknown....RIP Neil Armstrong
— josh groban (@joshgroban) August 25, 2012
Humanity's greatest moment is forty-three years old. Time to get great again. RIP Neil Armstrong
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) August 25, 2012

