British TV stars have been paying tribute to US comedian Garry Shandling, who has died at the age of 66, reportedly from a heart attack.
He was taken from his LA home by ambulance on Thursday morning and pronounced dead at a hospital.
Ant and Dec's twitter account posted this message:
Noooo. RIP #GarryShandling. One of the best. Sad news. D
— antanddec (@antanddec) March 24, 2016
Could amazing people just stop dying for a bit? Thanks. D
— antanddec (@antanddec) March 24, 2016
Garry Shandling’s death is being mourned (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)
The award-winning comic, who created It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and the BAFTA-winning The Larry Sanders Show, pioneered a form of docudrama comedy which influenced Ricky Gervais, among others.
The Office creator was also among British stars to pay tribute to Garry Shandling.
RIP the great Garry Shandling. Surely, one of the most influential comedians of a generation.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 24, 2016
The great Garry Shandling's work is such a touchstone for me that I was actually discussing him moments before I heard the sad news. RIP
— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) March 24, 2016
Oh no, not Garry Shandling. I adored him. Such a funny sweet eccentric man. What is this year doing to us? I'll miss him so damn much.
— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) March 24, 2016
#GaryShandling such a funny man. Randomly called me up once: "I hear you're funny but I've never heard of you. Say something funny"
— Omid Djalili (@omid9) March 24, 2016
No way! just heard the sad news about Garry Shandling.
— Leigh Francis (@LeighFrancis) March 24, 2016
US comics also lined up to express their thoughts.
Garry Shandling was a very special comedian with a beautifully unpredictable mind. He even voluntarily offered jokes and ideas for Oscars.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) March 24, 2016
Shocked and saddened to hear about Garry Shandling's sudden death. I was honored to get to work with him. He will be missed.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 24, 2016
Garry Shandling was one of the most brilliant people I have ever known. A shocking huge loss.
— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) March 24, 2016
Saddened over Garry Shandling. He was a comedy idol of mine. He leaves behind the greatest single-camera comedy of all time. #LarrySanders
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) March 24, 2016
Garry Shandling was one of my comedic heroes. His support of my writing was a huge boost. I will always be grateful for it. Shocked and sad
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) March 24, 2016
