US actor Garry Shandling, who influenced a generation of comedians with his Emmy-winning TV series It's Garry Shandling's Show, has died, aged 66.
Gary Shandling in 2014 Photo: AFP
Los Angeles police told the BBC that Shandling "suffered a medical emergency" on Thursday.
Shandling was known for "breaking the fourth wall" - speaking directly to the audience - in his show, which aired from 1986 to 1990.
He starred in the critically-acclaimed Larry Sanders Show from 1992 to 1998.
Shandling often appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson during the 1980s and was in the running to replace Carson when the chat show host retired.
Fellow comedians from around the world have rushed to pay tribute to Shandling:
Goodbye Gary Shandling thank you for your kindness and your generosity and for making me laugh so damn much
— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) March 24, 2016
One of the funniest of all, the beloved and very complicated Gary Shandling has died.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) March 24, 2016
RIP Garry Shandling, my favourite comedian of all time and the one who inspired me to give it a go. Terrible news.
— Jesse Mulligan (@JesseMulligan) March 24, 2016
Argh. Gary Shandling. Truly sad. An amazing comedian who undoubtedly influenced many.
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) March 24, 2016
Gary Shandling, gone too soon. So sad. An amazing body of work including one of the great comedies of all time; 'The 'Larry Sanders Show'.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) March 24, 2016
Gary Shandling was often funny when he was serious. And when he was actually going for it - unparalleled. Bless his soul.
— james l. brooks (@canyonjim) March 24, 2016
Gary Shandling was a comedy hero of mine. He once sent me a thank you note that read, "Thanks for nothing." RIP https://t.co/DmCy2JZcGj
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) March 24, 2016
- BBC
