Celebrities mourn as Home Alone actor John Heard dies

John Heard. Photo / AP

Famous friends and celebrities have paid tribute to actor John Heard after he died in a hotel in Palo Alto, California.

The star was reportedly discovered by housekeeping and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Heard reportedly had a "minor back surgery" last week and was staying in a California hotel during his recovery, the site reported.

However, his cause of death was still unclear.

Friends Elijah Wood, Jeff Bridges and James Woods took to social media to pay tribute to the actor.

"Sad to hear of John Heard's passing", Wood wrote.

Sad to hear of John Heard's passing.

— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) July 22, 2017

Jeff Bridges said "John Heard- what a wonderful actor. We were in the movie Cutter's Way together & I got to experience his artistry and dedication first hand."

John Heard starred in the smash hit Home Alone, with actress Catherine O'Hara.

Cher and Elizabeth Perkins also took to social media to mourn the death of their friend.

Rest peacefully, Mr. John Heard. You were the perfect foil, perfectly sly & a perfect gentleman. Many prayers to his family and children. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vTdEeZThfU

— Elizabeth Perkins (@Elizbethperkins) July 22, 2017

Goodbye John,
You were such a Beautiful,Talented,Funny,Crazy,Boy.#CuttersWay pic.twitter.com/sDocFcxc0J

— Cher (@cher) July 22, 2017

Comedian Marlon Wayons, who starred with Heard in White Chicks, said they "shared a lot of laughs".

"Thank you for all your contributions to our beloved industry," the comedian wrote on Instagram. "May you live forever through your vast body of work."

Heard also made a name for himself after starring in Big with Tom Hanks, Beaches opposite Bette Midler, The Sopranos and Battlestar Galactica, among other roles on the big and small screens.

But it was his role in Home Alone where Heard was most remembered, playing Peter McCallister - the dad to Macaulay Culkin's Kevin.

Heard was nominated for an Emmy in 1999 for his role in The Sopranos.

The actor had been married three times and is survived by three children.