Actors and directors have led tributes to the "extraordinary" influence of Marlon Brando, who has died aged 80.
Brando's role in the Godfather was praised
Brando, who starred in more than 40 movies, was perhaps best known for his role as mafia leader Don Corleone in the 1972 classic The Godfather.
The film's director, Francis Ford Coppola, said: "Marlon would hate the idea of people chiming in to give their comments about his death.
"All I'll say is that it makes me sad he's gone."
Al Pacino, who starred in The Godfather, said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of the
greatest acting genius of our time. What will we do without Marlon in this world?"
Robert Duvall, who also appeared in The Godfather, said: "He was like a godfather to many young actors worldwide but particularly in this country.
"He had enormous positive influence on younger performers."
And fellow Godfather actor James Caan said: "He influenced more young actors of my generation than
Bernardo Bertolucci, who directed Brando in the 1972 film Last Tango in Paris, said: "With tears in my eyes, it occurs to me that in the very act of dying Marlon has become immortal.
Godfather director Coppola said he was saddened
"For lovers of cinema he was perhaps the only true legend who'd ever lived."
Sophia Loren said Brando was a "dear friend".
She said : "He had some real tragedies in his life and perhaps stopped looking after himself for that reason."
Eva Marie Saint, Brando's co-star in On the Waterfront, said: "I will never forget the wonderful experience working with Marlon...
"Those scenes with him were something I shall always treasure. He was one of the most
generous and talented actors."
Veteran Hollywood producer Robert Evans called Brando a "quintessential original."
"I feel a certain sadness at the loss of one of America's
greatest actors," he said.
US President George W Bush joined his nation's mourning.
"With the passing of Marlon Brando, America has lost a great
actor of the stage and screen," he said.
Brando died of lung failure at a Los Angeles hospital, aged 80.
Al Pacino was among many actors influenced by Brando
His lawyer, David J Seeley, said funeral arrangements would be private.
Brando received eight Oscar nominations during his lifetime - all for best actor apart from his most recent shout in 1990 for A Dry White Season, which was for best supporting actor.
His two Oscar wins were for On the Waterfront and The Godfather.
The other nominations were for Last Tango in Paris (1973), Sayonara (1957), Julius Caesar (1953), Viva Zapata! (1952) and Streetcar Named Desire (1951).
British actor Terence Stamp, who appeared with Brando in Superman, said the actor was a "rare diamond".
"He had it all yet didn't take himself or life too seriously. He was also the funniest guy and a joy to be with. 'Good night sweet prince'."
British film-maker Michael Winner, director of The Nightcomers in 1972, said: "I've no doubt he was the most admired screen actor ever. And rightly so. He transcended fame just as an actor.
"Marlon was the most marvellous, principled, kind, sincere and above all
witty, amusing and loyal friend I've ever had."
Robert Tanitch, author of the book Brando, said the actor had a huge influence when he burst onto the scene in the 1950s.
But he said Brando "threw his career away".
"He threw it away because he hated acting - he was rather ashamed of it. He didn't think there was such a thing as a great movie."