The death of Apple co-founder and tech visionary Steve Jobs on Wednesday prompted an outpouring from public figures across the nation. Everyone from Snoop Dogg to President Barack Obama paid tribute to the man who transformed the computer and entertainment industries, and forever changed the way we consume media.
"Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs," President Barack Obama said in a statement. "Steve was among the greatest of American innovators — brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."
"Melinda and I extend 
our sincere condolences to Steve Jobs’ family & friends," said former rival and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."
Also read: Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, Digital Visionary, Dies at 56
Google co-founder Sergey Brin: From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry [Page] and I sought inspiration or vision and leadership, we need to look no farther than Cupertino. Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met. On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg: Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.
NewCorp. CEO Rupert Murdoch: Today, we lost one of the most influential thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs of all time. Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation. While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I'm reminded of the stunning impact he had in revolutionizing the way people consume media and entertainment.
Walt Disney Co. CEO Robert Iger: Steve was such an “original,” with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend.
Senator Chris Dodd, CEO and Chairman of the Motion Picture Assn. of America: The genius of Steve Jobs, a man I've known for 40 years, not only brought to life the visual magic and brilliant storytelling of Pixar, but brought the world one of the most innovative and successful platforms to make movies and TV available online at the click of a mouse. He was a pioneer, and helped all of us better understand how technologists and creators can work together to enrich and enliven our shared world. If anyone ever wonders whether one person can make a difference, the answer is Steve Jobs. He will be deeply, deeply missed.
AOL Co-Founder Steve Case: I feel honored to have known Steve Jobs. He was the most innovative entrepreneur of our generation. His legacy will live on for the ages.
California Governor Jerry Brown: Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what an independent and creative mind can accomplish.
Henry Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corp.: Steve was simultaneously a leader, a businessman, a technologist, and an artist. No CEO has ever combined all of those attributes. Through sheer force of will, Steve used technology as a weapon to forge world-changing consumer markets out of nothing. Steve helped make Broadcom a better company. We partnered with him to deliver the world's first integrated WiFi, the world's first integrated bluetooth, and the world's first gigabit ethernet. I could call him in the middle of the night and he could call me, which he did, usually demanding perfection. The world has lost a unique genius who can never be replaced.
CNN anchor Anderson Cooper: My first Apple product, the Apple 2E computer. I think that's what it was called.
Rapper Snoop Dogg: RIP Steve Jobs Rest in peace homie.
Comedian and actor Albert Brooks: Had the pleasure of working for him and knowing him. He was our Edison. R.I.P. Steve Jobs.
Slate political writer Dave Weigel: As a cold hearted sarcastic bastard, surprised at how devastating this Jobs news is. Just a huge loss.
Tech columnist turned venture capitalist Michael Arrington: Damn. People like steve jobs are supposed to live forever
Actor/Director Jon Favreau: We lost a man of true vision today. Condolences to the whole Apple family.
Comedian Jeffrey Ross: Sad day. Apple's Steve Jobs bytes the dust. But the good news is he backed himself up. #roastinpeace
Director Spike Lee: I only met Steve Jobs once, briefly at The Apple Store on 5th Avenue in NY. People VISIONARIES are always called CRAZY in the beginning.