Ray Bradbury mourned by Steven Speilberg, Steven King, President Obama

(CBS News) Just how much Ray Bradbury inspired readers  during his lengthy career of writing everything from science-fiction and mystery to humor.could be  seen  in the tributes that have poured out since news of his death surfaced.

 Director Steven Speilberg, author Steven King  and  even President Obama were among the well-known figures who paid tribute to the "Fahrenheit 451" author, who died in California Tuesday. at  age 91.

Read More: Ray Bradbury dead at 91
Pictures: Ray Bradbury: 1920-2012

"He was my muse for the better part of my sci-fi career," Spielberg said in a statement, according to  reports in  The Hollywood Reporter. "He lives on through his legion of fans. In the world of science fiction and fantasy and imagination he is immortal."

In his statement, King said,  "The sound I hear today is the thunder of a giant's footsteps fading away. But the novels and stories remain, in all their resonance and strange beauty."

Neil Gaiman wrote on his blog that the news of Bradbury's death had "knocked me for a loop" and added that "he was kind, and gentle, and always filled with enthusiasm, and that the landscape of the world we live in would have been diminished if we had not had him in our world."

President Obama also issued a statement saying, "His gift for storytelling reshaped our culture and expanded our world. But Ray also understood that our imaginations could be used as a tool for better understanding, a vehicle for change, and an expression of our most cherished values. There is no doubt that Ray will continue to inspire many more generations with his writing."

Several more celebrities  reacted on Twitter: