Celebrities React to Beastie Boy Adam Yauch's Death

Hearing the news of the untimely death of Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch on May 4, Justin Timberlake had an  emotional reaction. “Crushed to hear the news of Adam Yauch's passing," he shared via Twitter. "A true pioneer of art. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

Yauch, who co-founded the hip-hop group in 1979, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2009 after discovering a tumor in his left salivary gland. His health had declined over the years, and when he passed away, he was just 47 years old. The devoted Buddhist, who was involved with the movement to free Tibet, is survived by his wife, Dechen Wangdu, and 14-year-old daughter, Tenzin.

With hits like "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)" and "Hey Ladies," the multiplatinum-selling group gained popularity in the '80s and went on to win three Grammy Awards. Yauch -- known as MCA alongside bandmates Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) and Mike Diamond (Mike D) -- and and his music had major influence on the generation, and a number of celebrity fans and friends spoke out after news broke of his passing.

Here are a few more of the messages tweeted by celebrities in Yauch’s honor...

"This news hits hard. The Beastie Boys are 1of the reasons I do music&MCA was the captain. Thanx for everythin MCA. Rest in Peace." -- Benji Madden

"Such sad news about Adam Yauch. What an artist, in every discipline.” -- Mindy Kaling

"Sending energy and light to Adam Yauch's loved ones.....#RIPMCA" -- Mandy Moore 

"RIP Adam Yauch (MCA of the Beastie Boys). He was a super-genius, a visionary and, most importantly, a really good person." – Rainn Wilson

"RIP Adam... I'm devastated. Praying for Adam Yauch's family from the legendary Beastie Boys. You'll be missed." -- Reverend Run

"RIP MCA" -- Fergie 

"I'm filled with so much sorrow to hear about the world losing Adam Yauch. He was such a beautiful person and artist. My heart is broken." -- Jonah Hill

"Beastie Boys were such a part of my soundtrack as a youth growing up... R.I.P MCA..." – Mario Lopez

"Oh no. This just sucks beyond measure. RIP MCA." -- Josh Groban

"RIP MCA U are a Legend and a pioneer. #BeastieBoys4life" -- Snoop Dogg

And see the Beastie Boys' final performance together at the Bonaroo music festival in June 2009:

 

 

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/celebrities-react-beastie-boy-adam-yauchs-death/1-a-451922

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