Just after Christmas Friday, filmmaker and podcaster Kevin Smith celebrated what would have been Stan Lee’s 96^th Birthday by posting a video with sincere commentary of the last time he saw the celebrated Marvel creator in person.

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Smith posted on his Instagram a video from last year of what was a surprise party celebrating Lee’s 95^th birthday. Smith posted along with the video a lengthy description of the events that followed and how grateful he was to be in attendance.

Lee and Smith first collaborated together when the celebrated Marvel writer cameoed in his 1995 film Mallrats; since then, they have worked on multiple projects together, either on lengthy discussions about the comic book industry or in cameos on Smith's other projects, such as Yoga Hosers or AMC’s Comic Book Men.

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Following the death of Lee's wife Joan in July 2017, and controversies involving his former manager, Smith was vocal in his concern for Lee's well-being, and at one point invited the legendary writer to live with him.

In the Instagram message, Smith references his near fatal heart attack in February, after which he lost a staggering 51 pounds. He has remained busy, working on a variety of projects including an upcoming Hit Girl series that will be released in February.

(via UPROX)