Legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub dies aged 77

Legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Weintraub, who worked on classics such as the Karate Kid and the Ocean's Eleven films, has died from cardiac arrest.

Weintraub, 77, died at home in Santa Barbara, California, his publicist announced on 6 July.

Tributes have pouring in from stars of the silver screen since news of his death was announced.

"In the coming days there will be tributes," said Ocean's Eleven star George Clooney. "We'll laugh at his great stories, and applaud his accomplishments.

"And in the years to come, the stories and accomplishments will get better with age, just as Jerry would have wanted it. But not today. Today our friend died."

"So sad at loss of Jerry Weintraub, you were 1 of a kind, my friend," tweeted Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio. "Last of a breed. So glad I got to be 'that kid.'"

Other stars who paid their respects include Rob Lowe, Larry King, Goldie Hawn and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Jerry was an American original, who earned his success by the sheer force of his instinct, drive, and larger-than-life personality," said former US President George HW Bush.

"He had a passion for life. And throughout the ups and downs of his prolific career it was clear just how much he loved show business."

Weintraub, who was born in New York City in 1937, started his career as a music promotor, managing tours for stars such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and Led Zeppelin before moving into film production.

His most recent credits include an upcoming version of Tarzan, and HBO comedy series The Brink.