Reese Witherspoon and Barbra Streisand led a wave of celebrity tributes to Gloria Steinem after news broke that the feminist icon and women's rights activist had died at 92 on Wednesday.
Witherspoon shared a throwback photo of herself and Steinem posing with their arms around each other in the Oval Office of the White House. "Gloria Steinem changed how women saw themselves and what was possible... I was one of them," the actress and producer wrote.
"When I was deciding whether to do Legally Blonde, I watched a documentary where Gloria spoke about the importance of seeing an underestimated woman become the hero of her own story," Witherspoon continued. "Her words changed how I saw Elle Woods and helped me say yes."
Witherspoon added that she later sat beside Steinem at an event and told her how much she had inspired her. "Gloria was a warrior for change. She wanted equality and freedom for ALL women. She dedicated her whole life to advocating for our fundamental rights," she wrote, ending her tribute with "Thank you, Gloria, for your courage, your commitment and everything you made possible for all women. What a legacy."
Streisand's tribute
Streisand, 84, posted a black-and-white throwback photo of herself with Steinem alongside a lengthy message. "From the first moment I met Gloria in the 1970s, I was deeply impressed by her," the singer and actress wrote.
"She stood for everything I believed in: equality for women in the workplace, a woman's right to choose, greater political representation for women, and a thoughtful, determined response to every form of gender-based discrimination," Streisand continued. "She gave voice to these issues with fierce intelligence and steely determination, but also with wit, empathy, and humility."
"What made her so extraordinary was not only the strength of her convictions, but the humanity and grace with which she expressed them," Streisand wrote, before quoting Steinem: "When unique voices are united in a common cause, they make history." She added, "Her voice changed history, but her greatest legacy may be the countless voices she helped others find, and gave the courage to use."
Pascal and Moore pay tribute
Pedro Pascal, 51, wrote: "Gloria has always been one of the greatest names. What a cool hang is happening in the sky. Look after us. We need you #GloriaSteinem #WeShallOvercome."
Julianne Moore, who portrayed Steinem in the 2020 biopic The Glorias, shared a group photo from the set. "We were so lucky. The time I spent studying Gloria Steinem in order to play her was one of the most edifying of my life," Moore wrote.
"Everything I watched, everything I read, everything I observed about her gave me a template for how I wanted to behave," she continued. "Her honesty, her tolerance, her patience, and her insistence on humanism and inclusion as she moved through the world offers us all a moral roadmap. Thank you for all you gave us, Gloria."
Alba, Hilton, Madonna and Washington react
Jessica Alba, 45, posted a carousel of photos and videos of herself and Steinem at events together. "What an honor to spend time and share space w @gloriasteinem," she wrote, calling the activist "a true pioneer on multiple fronts."
"Her courage to stand for equity and equality despite the adversity and bumps along the way," Alba said. "The shoulders she generously offered for us to stand on were tenacious and relentless."
Paris Hilton said she was "heartbroken" to learn of Steinem's death, describing her as "a true trailblazer who spent her life fighting for women to have a voice, equality and the freedom to be who they are," adding, "Her impact will live on forever."
Madonna shared a throwback photo of the pair together on her Instagram Story, writing, "Thank you Gloria Steinem. The O.G. Baddie! You fought many battles and you opened many doors for me. For Us. Respect."
Kerry Washington wrote that "Gloria Steinem changed the way generations of women understood their own power," adding, "And then spent decades making sure more of us could claim it. Her rest is earned. Rest in peace."
Lena Dunham's lengthy tribute
Lena Dunham posted an extended tribute on Instagram, writing, "It will never cease to amaze me that I had the chance to know you... you gave so many women the chance to know you. You weren't just generous with your life force, your vision or your intellect: you were generous with your time, your laughter and even your jewelry."
Dunham recalled Steinem once giving her a silver vulva ring she had admired, and remembered sitting in Steinem's home thinking "this is what a woman should be, and this is how a woman should live." She said Steinem had advised her on "everything from men (can be fun, aren't required) to activism (it's a marathon, not a race)."
Dunham described a recent visit to Steinem's home where she "doled out jokes with ease" before retreating to watch her favorite show, Call the Midwife. "You worked so hard for us. You gave so much," Dunham wrote. "I love you Gloria. We all do."
Who was Gloria Steinem
Steinem died peacefully at her home in New York City surrounded by "some of the many that loved her," according to a statement posted on her and her foundation's social media pages.
In 1963, Steinem rose to fame after working undercover as a Playboy bunny for 11 days, an assignment that produced her two-part expose A Bunny's Tale, detailing the poor pay and sexist treatment endured by Playboy's bunny waitstaff.
Much of her life as an advocate was spent on the road, speaking at college campuses, community centers, rallies and marches, with her trademark streaked hair parted down the middle and large aviator glasses adding to her recognizable presence.
"Gloria's near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end," the foundation's statement continued. "Gloria's greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard. Her words, actions and example gave people permission to be their truest selves."
The statement added that Steinem "lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor," and noted her fondness for the tradition of lighting signal fires on hills. "Lighting your own candle for Gloria makes you part of this global and celestial community circle," it read. In lieu of flowers, the statement said Steinem had asked that well-wishers make a donation to her foundation.
