Fans, celebrities and colleagues mourned the loss of Paul Mooney today (May 19) after it was revealed that he sadly passed away this morning at his Oakland, California home. According to his publicist and journalist Roland Martin, the 79-year-old suffered a fatal heart attack around 5:30 a.m. PST.

On Twitter, fans of the comedian and actor’s work — which included “Chappelle’s Show,” The Buddy Holly Story and Bamboozled — remembered his immense talent.

“R.I.P. to the absolute master! — Paul Mooney. I learned so much from you,” comedian Bill Burr tweeted.

“Awww…. RIP comedy legend Paul Mooney! You were both funny and poignant,” Emmy Award-winning actress Viola Davis added. “So happy to have witnessed your genius live. Rest well!!! Pour down some laughter here. We need it.”

Others, like filmmaker Ava DuVernay, reflected on Mooney’s writing credits and social commentary. Mooney started his career writing jokes for Richard Pryor and went on to work as the head writer for “The Richard Pryor Show.”

“Paul Mooney. A comedy giant. I recall listening to his RACE album in college and how formative it was. Yeah, the jokes. But more so, the freedom,” she wrote on Twitter. “He spoke freely and fearlessly about feelings and experiences others found difficult to express. May he be truly free now. Rest, sir.”

As reported by REVOLT, Martin broke the news of Mooney’s passing on Wednesday afternoon. On Twitter, Martin said that Mooney had been suffering from dementia and was living with his cousin Rudy prior to his passing.

“Rudy said Oakland paramedics valiantly tried to save him after suffering a heart attack this AM,” he added.

Mooney’s family also made a statement to the comedian’s fans through his Twitter account.

“Thank you all from the bottom of all of our hearts… you’re all are the best!” they wrote. “Mooney World… The Godfather of Comedy — ONE MOON MANY STARS!… To all in love with this great man… many thanks.”

See more Twitter tributes in memory of Mooney below. We at REVOLT offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans at this time.