H'wood pays tribute to actor, playwright Sam Shepard

Sam Shepard, the legendary Oscar-nominated actor and Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist, died on Thursday from complications from the ALS.

After hearing the tragic news, fellow Hollywood actors took to the social media and posted heartfelt messages, reflecting on Shepard's impact on them and the entertainment industry.

From Antonio Banderas and Ethan Hawke to George Takei and Don Cheadle, reactions from Shepard's peers were quick to pour in after the news broke.

Hollywood veteran Antonio Banderas, took to Twitter and wrote, "Jeanne Moreau, Sam Shepard thank you for enlighten us at 24 frames per second. RIP."

Actor Ethan Hawke, who co-starred with Shepard in 'Snow Falling on Cedars' (1999) and 'Hamlet' (2000), issued a statement which read, "He was a poet of the first order. I've acted in many of his plays and directed "A Lie of the Mind." He played my father twice on film. Some days he could be irascible. At other times he could be profoundly wise and kind. He was the writer any serious American actor of my generation cut their teeth on. It is a gross understatement to say, he will be missed."

Don Cheadle, the 52-year-old actor also paid homage to the late actor by writing, "Literally bumped into Sam Shepard many years ago, both of us on our way to see Pillow Man on Broadway. We had a great chat/walk. #hero RIP."

"Sam Shepard was a towering figure in American theater and film. He indeed had "the right stuff." His voice will truly be missed," tweeted George Takei.

Ava DuVernay, director of 'Selma', wrote, "Sam Shepard. Whenever he came on-screen, you knew you were in good hands. A frame from "Days of Heaven." May he rest in love."

Other celebrities who paid homage to the late actor were:

The playwright and actor passed away at his home in Kentucky and was with his family at the time of his death. He was 73.

The multi-dimensional talent, who most recently appeared on Netflix's Bloodline, received an Academy Award nomination as best supporting actor for his portrayal of Chuck Yeager in 1983's 'The Right Stuff' and won the 1979 drama Pulitzer Prize with his play 'Buried Child'.

The plans for a public memorial have not yet been determined and funeral arrangements remain private, the family announced on Monday.

He is survived by his children, Jesse, Hannah and Walker Shepard, and his sisters, Sandy and Roxanne Rogers.