Nelson Mandela made his mark on popular culture (SLIDESHOW)

SLIDESHOW - As people all over the planet pay homage to his historic contributions we should also not forget that Mandela made a substantial cultural impact on our lives as well...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Nelson Mandela made an indelible mark in South Africa and the entire world stage with his struggle against the racial injustice of apartheid.

As people all over the planet pay homage to his historic contributions we should also not forget that Mandela made a substantial cultural impact on our lives as well.

In the three decades after his highly controversial prison-time in Robben Island, Mandela became arguably the most famous African in America.

He inspired music, cinema and yes, more than a few parodies. But even the jokes were made with love and reverence for one of history’s great iconic heroes.

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