Tributes paid to Top Gun director Tony Scott

Stars of film and TV have paid tribute to the British director Tony Scott, who has died aged 68 after jumping from a bridge in Los Angeles on Sunday.

He was famous for high-octane films such as Top Gun and Days of Thunder.

Actress Keira Knightley, who starred in his 2005 film Domino, called him "one of the most extraordinary, imaginative men I ever worked with," and "one of the world's true originals".

Director Ron Howard said "No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day."

Veteran actor Peter Fonda, was another Hollywood figure shocked at the news of Scott's death. "Wow! Such sadness," he wrote.

Top Gun star Val Kilmer said "RIP Tony. You were the kindest film director I ever worked for. You will be missed."

British director Duncan Jones said on Twitter: "Just heard about Tony Scott news. Horrible... Tony was a truly lovely man who took me under his wing and ignited my passion to make films."

Robert Rodriguez, director of Sin City and Desperado added: "Tony Scott. Damn. Great knowing you, buddy. Thanks for the inspiration, advice, encouragement, and the decades of great entertainment."

Saving Private Ryan actor Adam Goldberg - who starred opposite Denzel Washington in Scott's 2006 sci-fi film Deja Vu - wrote on his blog: "Tony Scott was one of the, if not the, warmest and most generous directors for whom I've ever worked.

"I was constantly astounded by his ability to balance the massive weight of his movies with unsparing respect and love for his actors and crew all the way down the line.

"I'll miss you man," he added.

North Tyneside-born Scott shot to fame in the 1980s and worked with some of the world's biggest action stars in films such Crimson Tide, Days of Thunder and True Romance.

He also directed Enemy of the State and Beverly Hills Cop II.

Comedian and actor Chris Rock called Scott's Man on Fire his favourite film. "I wish you had more time," he added.

British film-maker Edgar Wright, who mimicked Scott's fast-paced editing style in his film Hot Fuzz, tweeted: "As I hope was evident in my work, I was big fan of his. Rest In Peace, sir."

Wright's regular collaborator, actor Simon Pegg called Scott "a master of grand action, nail biting pace and atmosphere. A real loss to film making".

Read more: Film world remembers Tony Scott

Never quite attaining the critical acclaim of his brother Ridley, Scott never-the-less enjoyed huge box office success around the world. As well as directing, he was a film and TV producer, working on the acclaimed series The Good Wife.

Earlier this year, he teamed up with Ridley to produce his hugely anticipated Alien prequel, Prometheus.

A statement from Pinewood and Shepperton studios chief executive Ivan Dunleavy said he and colleagues were "deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news".

Chris Hewitt, Empire Magazine: Scott was "pushing the envelope" on making action films

"He was not only an incredibly gifted filmmaker and ambassador for the UK film industry, he was a significant part of the history of Shepperton Studios," said Dunleavy.

Bafta chairman Tim Corrie said: "He was a true pioneer. A great film-maker and a wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed by people all over the world.

"History will probably always link him with his brother which considering their lifelong partnership is right ... but Tony had his own style and will stand tall in the history of British film-makers."

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office said the director was seen parking his car and jumping into the water at about 12:30 (19:30 GMT) on Sunday.

His body was recovered from the harbour less than three hours later.

The coroner said Scott's death was being investigated as a suicide.