Comedian, actor and writer Garry Shandling has died.

The 66-year-old entertainer was reportedly rushed to hospital in Los Angeles with an unspecified "medical emergency" believed to be a massive heart attack. 

He was best known for writing and starring in hit shows such as The Larry Sanders Show and his own The Garry Shandling Show, as well as starring in such Hollywood hits as Iron Man 2, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Dr. Dolittle,Zoolander and Over The Hedge.

Friends who spoke to the actor this morning said he sounded healthy.

Amy Schumer paid tribute to Shandling writing; 'Goodbye Gary Shandling thank you for your kindness and your generosity'.