Celebrities react to U.S. Supreme Court gay marriage ruling

In a triumphant ruling for the American gay rights movement, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the U.S. Constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry, essentially making gay marriage legal in all 50 states.

While U.S. President Obama heralded the move in a Rose Garden speech, celebrities turned to social media to express their emotions.

• U.S. Supreme Court rules in favour of same-sex marriage

Openly gay comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who is married to Ally McBeal actress Portia de Rossi, expressed her joy simply.

Neil Patrick Harris, former Doogie Howser star and show business triple threat, thanked the judge who reportedly cast the deciding vote.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came out publicly in 2014, applauded the change.

Comedian and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane congratulated America for "finally catching up to the modern era," and offered a word of advice.

Comedic actress Sandra Bernhard, whose Roseanne character, Nancy Bartlett, was one of the first openly gay characters on a network sitcom, said the change was giving her "a good vibe."

Actress Kristin Chenoweth, a self-declared Conservative Christian and outspoken LGBT supporter, expressed her feelings in colour.

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore reminded fans how quickly history can be made.

Singer, actress and AIDS activist Liza Minnelli has been something of an icon for the gay community for decades. 

The 69-year-old, who has been married and divorced four times, expressed her relief on Facebook.

"I have always said that everyone has the right to love who they love," she wrote, "and today I am so happy it is now the law of the land."

Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who is in a same-sex marriage on TV and in real life, was clearly moved.

Longtime Hollywood actress and activist Mia Farrow said she was moved to tears.

Lance Bass was in Britain when the ruling came down, but that didn't stop the former 'N Sync singer from celebrating by sharing a picture of himself with his husband, Michael Turchin.

Trump let down

Despite the outpouring of rainbow-coloured pride, not everyone was pleased with the decision. Reality TV star, real estate mogul and U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump says Americans were let down.