‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ creator Carl Reiner dies aged 98

American comedian Carl Reiner who created and starred in The Dick Van Dyke Show has died aged 98. The much-loved actor died Monday night at his Beverly Hills home. His son Rob Reiner broke the news on social media on Tuesday morning, writing: “Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light.”

The comedy legend was a producer, director and actor. His most popular films as a director included Oh God, The Jerk and All of Me. However, Carl was best known for creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, that aired from 1961 to 1966, and 2000 And Thirteen Year Old Man with American director and friend Mel Brooks.

Many celebrities have since taken to social media to share their condolences, with Dick Van Dyke, star of Carl’s classic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show, leading the tributes on Twitter, writing: “My idol, Carl Reiner, wrote about the human comedy. He had a deeper understanding of the human condition than I think even he was aware of. Kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic and wise. His scripts were never just funny, they always had something to say about us.”

Fellow comedian Adam Sandler wrote: “Carl Reiner. RIP. One of our comedy heroes. Thank you for everything you did for all of us. Love to the Reiner family.”

Carl Reiner
RIP
One of our comedy heroes
Thank you for everything you did for all of us
Love to the Reiner family pic.twitter.com/tBsiIelbdI

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) June 30, 2020

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “Carl Reiner was everything, every human being alive should hold up as a bright example of what one person can do with theirs. A great loss for his family and the world.”

Ben Stiller said: “Carl Reiner was a comedic giant, one of the smartest comedy minds ever. He used his voice to the very end, speaking truth to power and the insanity we are all living in. So much respect for him. Sending love to his family. #RIP.”