Comedy stars pay tribute to Garry Shandling, creator of the Larry Sanders Show

US comedian Garry Shandling has died aged 66, following what appears to be a heart attack, and tributes from the world of comedy on both sides of the pond show what an influential and well-loved character he was.

Shandling was a hugely successful stand-up and writer but was best known for creating and starring in 90s hit The Larry Sanders Show. Set both behind the scenes and in front of the camera on a fictional talk show, it blurred the lines between invention and reality with documentary-style backstage footage and celebrity interviews that were indistinguishable from the real thing.

It was the precursor to series like 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ricky Gervais’s The Office, to name but a few, but arguably paved the way for much of modern comedy.

Gervais was among stars also including his Office co-creator Stephen Merchant and Jeffrey Tambor – who played Shandling’s much-abused sidekick Hank on The Larry Sanders Show – to pay tribute to the great man.

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

Garry was/ will always be my teacher. He redesigned the wheel of comedy and was the kindest and funniest of geniuses Will miss him so much.

— Jeffrey Tambor (@jeffreytambor) March 25, 2016

Steve Martin, Amy Schumer, Whoopi Goldberg, John Cleese, Kathy Griffin, Billy Crystal, Bob Odenkirk and Ben Stiller were among numerous other stars who had known and been influenced by Shandling, with many at pains to point out that he was loved as much for his kindness as his comedy…

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

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

Garry Shandling was as kind and generous as he was funny and that is saying a lot.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) March 24, 2016

Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 laugh. I loved him. I'll miss our talks the most. pic.twitter.com/Ud8AQXNBXN

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) March 24, 2016

I can't believe this. Very sad to say goodbye so abruptly. https://t.co/F89LbZXaER

— Mr. Bob Odenkirk (@mrbobodenkirk) 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

Absolutely can't process the loss of Garry Shandling. Such a genius, such a wonderful man, such an inspiration. I was so honored to know him

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 24, 2016

A moment to celebrate an true, original & tv pioneer and yes 1 of the funniest. Was an honor to know him. Condolences to his family. R.I.P

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) March 24, 2016

35 goddamned days ago. I don't get it. pic.twitter.com/Et1LTETowT

— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) 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

Sad about Garry Shandling. Larry Sanders was WONDERFUL,and at my daughter Cynthia's wedding he made the funniest bad taste speech ever given

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) March 24, 2016

Absolutely can't process the loss of Garry Shandling. Such a genius, such a wonderful man, such an inspiration. I was so honored to know him

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 24, 2016

R.I.P. Garry Shandling. I am so saddened to hear this. Brilliantly funny and such a great guy. He will be so missed.

— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) March 24, 2016

Garry Shandling!! #AskZoolander

— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) January 31, 2016

Larry Sanders is one of the best TV shows ever made. Everybody involved in that show is now an influential voice in comedy. Watch it.

— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) March 24, 2016

Contains swearing