Influential US Comedian Garry Shandling Dies

Influential US comedian and actor Garry Shandling has tragically passed away at the age of 66.

According to TMZ, the comic best known for his work in the critically acclaimed TV shows, It's Garry Sandling's Show and ​The Larry Sanders Show, was taken to an LA hospital on Thursday where he reportedly died from a sudden heart attack.

A source has claimed that Shandling was in good health on Thursday morning, before a emergency call was made later in the day and he was transported to hospital.

As early as last weekend, a photo of Shandling with fellow comedians Kathy Griffin and Bob Odenkirk was posted to Twitter. 

While It's Garry Sandling's Show was nominated for four Emmy awards between 1986-1990, The Larry Sanders Show garnered a massive 56 Emmy nominations, while Shandling alone was nominated for 18 gongs.

A frequent emcee at the Emmy and Grammy award ceremony's Shandling was offered to take over the popular Late Night talk show in 1993, though he declined in favour of his sitcom. 

In recent hours, some of comedy's biggest names have addressed Shandling's untimely death.

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— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) March 24, 2016

RIP the great Garry Shandling. Surely, one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 24, 2016

Oh no, not Garry Shandling. I adored him. Such a funny sweet eccentric man. What is this year doing to us? I'll miss him so damn much.

— Eric Idle (@EricIdle) 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) March 24, 2016

Dammit. He was the best. So sad. RIP Garry Shandling

— marc maron (@marcmaron) March 24, 2016