Larry Sanders Show wrote a touching tribute for the legendary comedian who died at 66 on Thursday.

'He was the kindest and funniest of geniuses': Larry Sanders 'sidekick' Jeffrey Tambor leads the tributes to Garry Shandling, 66, after he dies aged 66 after calling 911 himself. Garry Shandling's heartbroken co-star on the The Larry Sanders Show wrote a touching tribute for the legendary comedian who died at 66 on Thursday. He said of the funny man: 'Garry was/ will always be my teacher. He redesigned the wheel of comedy and was the kindest and funniest of geniuses. Will miss him so much.' Shandling, who created and starred in such shows as It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show, died at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica after being rushed in earlier in the day. Shandling's death was the result of a massive heart attack according to TMZ, and friends who spoke with him Thursday morning said he sounded fine and healthy. The 911 call came from Shandling himself but he fell unconscious while on the phone with the dispatcher. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived just a little after 10:30am and had to kick down the door when no one was able to answer. Judd Apatow, who was a writer on Larry Sanders, told The Wrap; 'Garry would see the ridiculousness of me being asked to sum up his life five minutes after being told of his passing. She posted the photo once again shortly after the news of Shandling's death and wrote; 'Sunday, my longtime friend Garry Shandling was here, making every1 laugh. I loved him. I'll miss our talks the most.' Shandling began his career doing stand-up, which led to writing jobs on shows including Sanford and Son and Welcome Back, Kotter. Kristin Chenoweth praised Shandling and said; 'He encouraged me from the very start. A few weeks ago he told me life was short and enjoy it.' Seth Meyers wrote; 'Heartbreaking news about Garry Shandling. Just heartbreaking.' Ricky Gervais wrote; 'RIP the great Garry Shandling. Surely, one of the most influential comedians of a generation.' Seth Meyers wrote; 'Heartbreaking news about Garry Shandling. Just heartbreaking.' Mandy Moore wrote; 'Had the pleasure of meeting/ hanging with Garry Shandling a few times & he was a gentleman & obviously so deeply funny. RIP.' Albert Brooks said; 'R.I.P. Garry Shandling. I am so saddened to hear this. Brilliantly funny and such a great guy. He will be so missed.' Matt Lucas wrote; 'Stunned to hear of Garry Shandling's death. A true television pionee