Buck Henry – the legendary screenwriter, TV icon and comic actor – has died aged 89.
The acclaimed film writer and Oscar-nominated writer has died in Los Angeles, following a glittering career spanning 54 years.
The celebrated writer, whose real name was Henry Zuckerman, was best known for penning the screenplays for The Graduate, Catch-22, and What's Up, Doc?
He went on to co-create Get Smart, before becoming a regular during the early years of Saturday Night Live.
The star's cause of death has been confirmed as a heart attack at Cedars-Sinai Health Centre in Los Angeles.
A relative of Buck confirmed his passing to US publication, Deadline.
News of his death hit home with adoring fans of the screenwriter, who took to social media to send their condolences and express their sadness.
One wrote: "Buck Henry was a pillar of American comedy. Writer, director, actor, genius. Rest In Peace & in laughter."
Another said: “Buck Henry, who got famous for being actually extremely smart and funny, was better at being Buck Henry than most people still living are at their chosen fields of study and professions. Rest In Peace.”
A third remembered: “Buck Henry was comedy royalty. May he laugh all the way to the biggest room in the sky. RIP.”
Another tweeted: "Rest easy, Buck Henry. Thanks for giving us a movie that is such a perfect slice of joy."
American author, Alan Zweibel, tweeted: "R.I.P my dear friend and mentor Buck Henry. My world will be missing a huge source of laughter that I will try my best to fill with so many memories.
"Oh my... this is going to be a tough one."
