Actor Brian Dennehy has died at the age of 81.

The star, known for film roles including First Blood and Cocoon, died on Wednesday due to natural causes.

His daughter Elizabeth announced the news on Twitter.

She said: “It is with heavy hearts we announce that our father Brian passed away last night from natural causes, not Covid-related.

“Larger than life, generous to a fault, a proud and devoted father and grandfather, he will be missed by his wife Jennifer, family and many friends.”

Mia Farrow, who starred alongside Dennehy in Broadway play Love Letters, said she was “just devastated” by his death.

She tweeted: “They is no one i enjoyed working with more. And there are few friends as valued in my life. I took this photo backstage when we were in Love Letters. He loved my pup Bowie.”

Better Call Saul star Michael McKean also paid tribute: “RIP Brian Dennehy. Brilliant and versatile, a powerhouse actor and a very nice man as well.”

James Woods, who starred alongside Dennehy in Split Image and Best Seller, said that Dennehy was a “sweetheart”.

Woods tweeted: “I’m just devastated to hear we lost my beloved friend and colleague, #BrianDennehy. We were partners on two of my favourite films, Split Image and Best Seller. I’ve never laughed so hard as we did every day on the set or off. For a big ‘tough guy,’ he was a sweetheart. #RIPBrian.”