US actor and Curb Your Enthusiasm star Bob Einstein has died aged 76.
His younger brother, actor Albert Brooks, confirmed his death in a tweet, writing: "R.I.P. My dear brother Bob Einstein. A great brother, father and husband. A brilliantly funny man. You will be missed forever."
Mr Einstein was best known for his role as Marty Funkhouser in the satirical sitcom Curb.
In a statement, Larry David, the mastermind and leading star of the critically acclaimed series, said he had never seen an actor enjoy a role more than Mr Einstein did playing Marty.
He added: "It was an amazing, unforgettable experience knowing and working with him. There was no one like him, as he told us again and again. We're all in a state of shock."
His co-star, Richard Lewis, tweeted: "I’m in shock. I knew him forever.
"His long career is hard to match. His role on #curbyourenthusiasm was excruciatingly brilliant! Our cast and crew will be devastated.
"He was so loved. He told me how much he loved LD [Larry David] and Curb. RIP buddy."
Cheryl Hines, who plays Cheryl David on the show, wrote: "We lost a friend today. Thanks for all of the laughs on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Our love to Bob's family. The comedy world will miss you."
The comedian was also known for his role as stuntman Super Dave Osborne in Super Dave, and appeared in another successful US sitcom: Arrested Development.
Mr Einstein was also a noted comedy writer. He won an Emmy for writing on the 1960s series "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," on which he played opposite Tom and Dick Smothers.
He won a second Emmy in 1976 for Dick Van Dyke's "Van Dyke and Company" variety series.
The cause of Mr Einstein's death had not been confirmed on Wednesday evening, though it has been reported he was recently diagnosed with cancer.
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