Garry Shandling has died.

Garry Shandling

Garry Shandling

The comedian and actor - who was best known as his alter ego Larry Sanders - has tragically passed away at the age of just 66 from a heart attack, TMZ reports.

A source told the website that Garry was fine when he spoke to friends earlier in the morning (24.03.16) but was rushed to hospital later in the day after the police service received a 911 call from his home. He was pronounced dead at hospital.

Since his death, comedian Judd Apatow has issued a statement, remembering the man who "taught me everything I know".

He said: "Garry would see the ridiculousness of me being asked to sum up his life five minutes after being told of his passing. It is a perfect, ridiculous Larry Sanders moment.

"I can imagine how Hank would handle it but I just don't know how to sum up someone I loved so much who taught me everything I know and was always so kind to me. I am just too sad. Maybe tomorrow I will do better."

Garry was best known for being the pioneer behind faux talk shows and docudramas. He inspired the likes of Ricky Gervais to create 'The Office'.

Among younger audiences, he was also known for his roles in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' and 'Iron Man 2'.