Breaking Bad, Jackie Brown actor Robert Forster dies aged 78

American actor Robert Forster who was best known for his role in crime thriller Jackie Brown has died at the age of 78 of brain cancer.

According to his publicist, the actor died at his Los Angeles home on Friday (Oct 11) after a short illness.

Forster was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the 1997 Quentin Tarantino-directed movie; the director had written the part of bail bondsman Max Cherry for him. He lost out on the award to Robin Williams for Good Will Hunting.

The actor recently appeared in Breaking Bad and El Camino, a film based on the TV series, which recently aired on Netflix. He was also in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks and played Tim Allen’s father in the sitcom Last Man Standing.

I’m saddened today by the news that Robert Forster has passed away. A lovely man and a consummate actor. I met him on the movie Alligator (pic) 40 years ago, and then again on BB. I never forgot how kind and generous he was to a young kid just starting out in Hollywood. RIP Bob. pic.twitter.com/HtunD0Fx6g

— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) October 12, 2019

Jackie Brown co-stars Samuel L Jackson and Pam Grier, as well as Breaking Bad co-stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are among some of the celebrities who have paid tribute to Forster on social media.

Cranston said: "I never forgot how kind and generous he was to a young kid just starting out in Hollywood." He also called Forster a “lovely man and a consummate actor".

Paul wrote that he was "heartbroken" to hear the news. “I had the privilege of knowing this beautiful man and working alongside of him. A true gentleman that loved to act. I love you my friend. Thank you for loving me. You are and always will be a legend.”