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:
- BBC