Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO: What Hollywood Is Saying

On Wednesday, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple, the company announced. Effective immediately, COO Tim Cook has been named the new CEO.

our editor recommends

Steve Jobs Resigns as Apple CEO

Steve Jobs Resignation: Business, News Cable Networks Set Evening Coverage

Analyst: Steve Jobs' CEO Departure Will Have 'No Impact' on Apple

In a letter addressed to the Apple board of directors and the "Apple Community," Jobs wrote: "I believe Apple's brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role."

Jobs took his second medical leave of absence in two years earlier this year, but would continue to oversee key decisions at the company. "At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health," Jobs said in the email sent in January that Apple made public. "I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company." Cook oversaw the day-to-day operations during that time.

Here are some of the industry's reactions to Wednesday's news:

Former California governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger praised Jobs' contributions. "Steve Jobs is one of California's greatest innovators. Very few achieved his impact over the last 50 years and probably the next 100 years," he wrote.

"Terribly upset at the thought of Steve Jobs not feeling well enough to be CEO. Wishing him all the very best," Stephen Fry wrote shortly after the news broke.

CNN host Piers Morgan responded to Fry quickly thereafter, asking, "@stephenfry would you call in my CNN show right now and pay tribute to Steve Jobs?"

Actress Alyssa Milano quoted a line that Jobs said: "I want to put a ding in the universe. ~Steve Jobs #quote."

Web Soup host Chris Hardwick wasn't surprised by the news that Jobs would no longer serve as Apple CEO. "Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO ... #NotSurprising #DontFreakOutAppleNerds," he tweeted on Wednesday.

Paul Scheer, an actor on FX's The League, joked, "Steve Jobs resigns reportedly to enter the Matrix. Cue Rage Against the Machine and watch him fly away in a black turtleneck."

Glee star Harry Shum Jr. recalled meeting Jobs. "Steve Jobs is also one of the few people that I fully got star struck and geeked out when I met him," he wrote.

Josh Malina, who starred in Sports Night and The West Wing, followed Scheer's footsteps and took a lighter route. "You know that six months from now Steve Jobs is going to release a better resignation letter," he tweeted. He followed up his joke with a one that was slightly more serious: "Yes, I wish him well, everyone who has called me on it. Just an Apple joke."

Whitney co-star Chris D'Elia wrote, "Steve Jobs? More like Steve Jobless."

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon executive producer Gavin Purcell tweeted, "If Steve Jobs really did resign, sell your Apple stocks tomorrow AM. Then rebuy in a week. You'll get a bargain.

X-Men: First Class writer Zach Stentz wrote, "Can't we transplant Steve Jobs' brain into a death row inmate or something? This is a special case, dammit."

Late Show With David Letterman head writer Justin Stangel wrote, "Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO. Maybe this means he’s getting ready to run for President."