Tributes pour in for funny man Robin Williams: Star found dead in apparent suicide

Tributes have been flooding in for actor Robin Williams who was found dead in an apparent suicide.

The alarm was raised at the 63-year-old's California home yesterday.

Everyone from the US president to stars of stage and screen have been paying their condolences, a selction of which appear below:

"Robin was a lightning storm of comic genius and our laughter was the thunder that sustained him. He was a pal and I can't believe he's gone." - Film director Steven Spielberg

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most." - US President Barack Obama

"I've never known a sweeter, brighter, more considerate person that Robin. Robin's commitment as an artist to lifting our mood and making us happy is compared to none. He loved us all and we loved him back." - Actor John Travolta

"I can't believe my lovely friend is gone. My heart goes out to his wife and his beloved children. He brought us so much joy and laughter." - Comedian Eric Idle via Twitter

"His impact on the world was so positive. He did so much good for people. He made me and so many people laugh so hard for a very long time." - Actor Ben Stiller via Twitter

"RIP Robin. I will always remember you as one hell of a friend. I love you and will miss you terribly." - Former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong via Twitter

"Robin Williams made the world laugh & think. I will remember & honour that. A great man, artist and friend. I will miss him beyond measure." - Actor Kevin Spacey via Twitter

"We have lost one of our most inspired and gifted comic minds, as well as one of this generation's greatest actors. To watch Robin work, was a magical and special privilege... He truly was one of the few people who deserved the title of 'genius'." - Chris Columbus, director of Mrs Doubtfire

"I never met anyone who loved making people laugh more than Robin." - Actress Minnie Driver, co-star in Good Will Hunting.

"He just had this incredible sweetness to him that was just so genuine and very striking. It was really clear I think to anyone who met him, just what... a sweet, joyful spirit he had to the people he was around." - Frank Conniff, writer and actor, who worked with Robin Williams on the David Feldman radio show

"Robin was as sweet a man as he was funny. If you're sad, please tell someone." Actor and Comedian Jimmy Kimmel via Twitter

"I am completely and totally devastated. What more can be said?" - Actress Pam Dawber, co-star in Mork and Mindy

His Dead Again co-star Andy Garcia told JustJared: "My heart is broken at the loss of our friend Robin Williams. I say our friend because he was a friend to all. The only thing that out shined the immensity of his genius was the enormity of his heart. He always embraced you with his generous infectious spirit. His extraordinary artistry will live forever, and if you had the great privilege of his warm embrace you to will forever have been blessed by Robin. Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you deeply."

Meanwhile Forest Whitaker, who appeared opposite Robin in Good Morning, Vitenam and The Butler, said: "The world has lost a special soul, Robin touched our hearts, he gave us laughter, he gave us joy, he made us think about the impossible. I’m blessed to have been able to walk inside his universe. He forever changed this world with his presence. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all those who hold him dear."