Tom Cruise stars in the Tony Scott movie Top Gun. Photo / Supplied
With a career that spanned three decades and included hits such as Top Gun and True Romance, filmmaker Tony Scott touched many in the Hollywood community.
Many celebrities have honoured the famed director after he jumped from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles yesterday.
"Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable," Tom Cruise said in a statement.
"My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time."
Cruise worked with Scott on 1986's Top Gun and 1990's Days Of Thunder. He had been recently working on a Top Gun sequel in recent days with Scott, The Hollywood Reporter said.
Nicole Kidman was the leading lady in Days of Thunder, the film where she hooked up with Cruise, her first husband. She also expressed grief at his passing.
"I'm so so sad. I loved Tony and he was always so good to me. He will be deeply missed by so many of us that knew him," Kidman said.
Rosario Dawson described him as a "lovely, kind human being" and the 33-year-old actress admitted she would miss him greatly.
Dawson - who starred in Tony's 2010 action thriller Unstoppable - wrote on Twitter: "Tony Scott... You left us too soon. How terribly sad. What a lovely, kind human being you were. I will love and miss you much. Blessings to your family. Rest In Peace."
The actress is not the only member of the Hollywood community grieving for the film maker, who was 68 at the time of his passing.
Elizabeth Hurley Tweeted: "What unbelievably sad news about Tony Scott. Such a talented film maker. I went rock climbing with him once & he was enormous fun. RIP."
Chris Rock wrote on the social networking website: "Tony Scott director of my favorite movie man on fire." I wish you had more time (sic)"
Mena Suvari appeared in Tony's 2010 bounty hunter movie Domino - which also starred Keira Knightley and Mickey Rourke - and his death has hit her hard.
In a series of tweets, the 33-year-old actress wrote: "I am so shocked & completely saddened over hearing that Tony Scott passed away today. He was such an amazing spirit, full of life & passion. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him & cherish the beautiful memories I have of him buzzing around the set. He was a sweet man with enormous talent & I wish with everything, that his soul has found peace & the angels watch over him and his family."
Scott - the brother of Alien director Ridley Scott - was seen parking his car on the cable-suspension bridge which connects the port district of San Pedro to Terminal Island on Sunday before he jumped into the water.
His body was recovered from the harbour less than three hours later.
What other stars said on Twitter:
Justin Timberlake: "So sad to hear the news about Tony Scott. His movies made growing up more fun for me. My prayers and condolences to the Scott family."
Susan Sarandon: "Saddened by the death of Tony Scott. A wonderful film maker and a funny, sweet guy. My condolences to his family."
Ron Howard: "No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day."
Roger Ebert: "The death of Tony Scott is shocking and saddening. He was an inspired craftsman."
Simon Pegg: "So sad to hear about Tony Scott. A master of grand action, nail biting pace and atmosphere. A real loss to film making."
Samuel L Jackson: "Taking a moment to reflect on Tony Scott's life & work! My sympathies to his family. Feeling the loss!"
Robert Rodriguez: "Tony Scott. Damn. Great knowing you, buddy. Thanks for the inspiration, advice, encouragement, and the decades of great entertainment."
Frank Marshall: "Can't quite believe we have lost the brilliance of Tony Scott, as a filmmaker and a friend."
Chris Rock: "Tony Scott director of my favorite movie man on fire. " I wish you had more time."
Christian Slater: "Shocking and devastating news. He was the best and will be greatly missed."
- AP with Bang! Showbiz