Tributes for Powers Boothe as Agents of SHIELD actor dies aged 68

Hollywood has paid tribute to actor Powers Boothe who has died at the age of 68. A publicist for Boothe confirmed that the acclaimed film star died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home on 14 May.

Boothe was best known for playing villainous roles in movies such as The Avengers, Sin City and Tombstone while notable TV roles include Deadwood, Agents Of Shield, Nashville and 24. Remembering his close friend, actor Beau Bridges tweeted: "It's with great sadness that I mourn the passing of my friend Powers Boothe. A dear friend, great actor, devoted father & husband."

British actor Carys Elwes tweeted: "I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Powers Boothe. He was an incredible talent and supremely nice man," while Saturday Night Live comedian Will Forte said: "Absolutely heartbroken about the passing of Powers Boothe. An amazingly talented actor and wonderful human being. RIP Colonel Faith."

Sin City director Robert Rodriguez weighed in: "I loved working with Powers Boothe. A towering Texas gentleman and world class artist. Rest In Peace, amigo," while Jorma Taccone said: "Powers Boothe was an unbelievably talented actor and sweet sweet man. He will be sorely missed. There will never be another Colonel Faith."

Boothe won an Emmy in 1980 for his role as cult leader Jim Jones in the acclaimed TV movie Guyana Tragedy: The Story Of Jim Jones. An actors strike took place at the time of Boothe's triumph and he made the decision to accept his award while crossing the picket line, stating: "This may be either the bravest moment of my career or the dumbest."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a private funeral service for Boothe will be held in his home state of Texas while his family are also considering hosting a memorial service to celebrate his career. Friends and fans are urged to make donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honours veterans and their families, in Boothe's memory.

Tributes to Powers Boothe: