Tony and Olivier Award winning actor Roger Rees has died aged 71.

The Welsh-born star of the stage and screen died on July 10, after suffering from cancer.

He is survived by his husband Rick Elice, and his death has sparked an outcry of tributes from fellow actors and fans across the world.

Patrick Stewart said on Twitter: “Brilliant actor, dear friend and colleague, witty, kind, private man, Roger Rees died this morning. A space is left that cannot be filled.”

Rees won the Tony and Olivier Award in 1980 for playing the lead in The Life and Death of Nicolas Nickleby for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He was best known outside of the theatre for recurring roles in Cheers and The West Wing.

Ian McKellen tweeted his sadness, and said: “Our only comfort is the video of Nicholas Nickleby in which Roger can shine forever.”

Actor Cary Elwes, who starred alongside Rees in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, said: “So sad about the passing of Roger Rees. A beautiful human being and an incredible talent. My condolences to his family.”

Rufus Hound tweeted: “I can happily give Roger Rees the greatest compliment I think you can give any true actor. The moment I saw him in anything, I thought “Oh, this will be good, if he’s in it.”

“The capacity to imbue any production with quality. You don’t get better than that. Emanated class.”

Roger Rees last starred on Broadway in The Visit earlier this year, where he had to finish the run early due to illness.

Stage and screen actor Roger Rees has died after suffering from cancer aged 71. For more information on his life and career, click here.