Henry Winkler has paid tribute to Jessica Walker amid the news of her passing.

Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler

The 80-year-old actress passed away in her sleep at her home in New York, and after news of her death broke on Thursday (25.03.21), stars who knew and worked with the actress took to social media to pay their respects.

Comedy acting legend Henry had worked with Jessica multiple times on ‘Arrested Development’ – where she played Lucille Bluth – and said it “was an honour” to stand alongside her.

He tweeted: “OH NO ...We worked together for years on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT ..It was an honor to watch her comedy explode from the very first row . (sic)”

Tony Hale, who played Jessica’s on-screen son in the sitcom, posted a picture of himself with the actress as he paid tribute to her.

He wrote: "She was a force, and her talent and timing were unmatched. Rest In Peace Mama Bluth. (sic)”

Whilst David Cross – who played Tobias Fünke – added: “I just heard the s***** news about Jessica Walter an absolutely brilliant actress and amazing talent. I consider myself privileged and very lucky to have been able to work with her. Lucille Bluth is one of TV's greatest characters (sic)”

There was also a tribute from Paul Feig, who directed seven episodes of ‘Arrested Development’, who was set to take part in an episode of ‘The Last Laugh’ podcast when the news broke.

Speaking on the show, he said: “I was devastated. It really breaks my heart.

“I loved Jessica Walter. She was so funny and so unique and just really marched to the beat of her own drummer. She just always had a different, funny way of doing something that you didn't expect. And she could just relish a line for all that it was worth in the greatest way possible and just sell a joke and sell a moment.

“[Hearing she had died] was a little bit of a knife in the heart, I’ve got to say.”