Tributes have been paid to American comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried who has died, aged 67.

His family posted the news on his Twitter account ad tributes quickly flooded in from fans and showbiz stars. 

Seinfeld star Jason Alexander tweeted: "Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift. I did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family. #ripGilbertGottfried"

Al Franken tweeted: "Big loss to the world of comedy. Gilbert Gottfried has left us. Fearless and hilarious!!! A truly lovely man, loved by all in comedy. May his memory be a blessing to his family, his friends & all he made laugh!"

Dave Itzkoff tweeted: "Years ago, Gilbert Gottfried let me visit him at home in NYC. In person he was an unexpectedly gentle guy who loved old showbiz and movie monsters - almost too shy to sit at a table and listen to his wife tell me the story of how they first met. #rip"

Matt Oswalt tweeted: "the funniest person I've ever known. There will never be another like him. RIP Gilbert Gottfried"

Brent Black tweeted: "My all-time favorite Gilbert Gottfried bit. Rest in peace, you iconic weirdo"

Marlee Matlin tweeted: "am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside. We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my intepreter @655jack (they're like twins). Sending love to Dara & his children. RIP #gilbertgottfried"

Alex Edelman tweeted: "Endlessly kind. Endlessly funny. So sad. Gilbert, will miss you."

As well as being a highly regarded and distinctive stand-up comedian Gottfried was known for hs work on numerous movies including Aladdin and Problem Child.

“In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children,” the Twitter statement continued. “Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honour.”