'Carl Reiner was comedy genius': Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, more pay tribute

Celebrities flooded social media Tuesday with tributes to Carl Reiner, who died Monday night at 98 of natural causes, according to The Associated Press.

Reiner's son, director Rob Reiner, who is also a comedian and actor like his dad, confirmed the news to Twitter and shared a sweet message.

"Last night my dad passed away. As I write this my heart is hurting. He was my guiding light," the "All in the Family" star wrote.

Reiner was a veteran comedian and actor who never fell out of favor or out of sight, busily maintaining his career and popularity from the day he joined Sid Caesar’s "Your Show of Shows" in 1950 right up to his part in the big-screen "Ocean’s Eleven" family and his role as Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer's stepfather on "Two and a Half Men."

Just days before his death, Reiner shared a tweet reflecting on his life and family.

"Nothing pleases me more than knowing that I have lived the best life possible by having met & marrying the gifted Estelle (Stella) Lebost, who partnered with me in bringing Rob, Annie & Lucas Reiner into this needy & evolving world," " Reiner tweeted Saturday.

Director Mel Books also shared a tribute to the late comedy legend on Twitter Tuesday.

"Carl was a giant, unmatched in his contributions to entertainment," Brooks wrote. "I loved him."

Brooks remembered acting alongside Reiner in the comedy sketch "The 2000 Year Old Man," noting that there was "no better straight man in the world" than Reiner.

"Whether he wrote or performed or he was just your best friend – nobody could do it better," Brooks added. "He'll be greatly missed. A tired cliché in times like this, but in Carl Reiner's case it's absolutely true. He will be greatly missed."

Jerry Seinfeld shared a still of himself with Reiner from his "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" series and wrote a sweet message to the late actor.

"Anyone in comedy who got to know or even just meet Carl Reiner felt that they have been given a great gift. His comedy energy was one of pure joyfulness. It's an unusual quality in our world and I have always tried to emulate him that way," Seinfeld wrote.

Jason Alexander called Reiner a "comedy genius" and paid tribute to his legacy.

"Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again," the "Seinfeld" actor tweeted. "His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well."

Jon Cryer shared a funny personal letter the comedian sent to him.

"The brilliant and hilarious Carl Reiner hosted the Director’s Guild awards for decades before his health forced him to take the night off. They asked me to sub in for him," Cryer wrote and shared the letter.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid tribute to Reiner on Twitter, too.

"Carl Reiner was a lovely, hilarious man who knew how to drive home his beliefs with grace and humor. Sending my condolences to his family and friends at the conclusion of a life well-lived," she tweeted.

Fellow comedian Billy Crystal wrote that Reiner "was a gift to us all."

"Hilarious, brilliant and always a gentleman. My relationship with him will always be cherished. He was a hero to me and all of us in comedy have lost a giant. All my love to Rob and the family," he tweeted, then posted a photo himself with Reiner.

Ed Asner shared his condolences with the Reiner family.

"Very sad to awake to the news that @carlreiner has passed. There will forever only be one of him. May his memory be forever blessed. He leaves us with so much laughter. My heart goes out to @robreiner and the entire Reiner family," the actor tweeted.

Alan Alda shared a photo of himself with Reiner and wrote a touching tribute to his friend.

"My friend Carl Reiner died last night. His talent will live on for a long time, but the loss of his kindness and decency leaves a hole in our hearts. We love you, Carl," he tweeted.

Steve Martin thanked Reiner and said goodbye "to my greatest mentor in movies and in life."

"Good Place" and "Parks and Recreation" creator Michael Schur paid tribute to Reiner's comedic legacy.

"The Dick Van Dyke Show debuted in 1961, and it's still funny. That's a magic trick. RIP Carl Reiner, one of comedy's greatest magicians," Schur tweeted.

Rosanna Arquette responded to Rob Reiner's tweet about his father's death with her condolences.

"I’m so so sad for your loss Rob. I met him some years ago he was kind and funny he made us laugh so Much .that is a gift," she tweeted.

William Shatner also offered his condolences.

"Condolences to the family of Carl Reiner. From the writers room of Sid Caesar to recreating those times for the Dick Van Dyke show, Carl was a master at his craft. I knew him only peripherally but it was a pleasure to have known him," he wrote.

Mia Farrow recalled the unforgettable time she met the comedian.

"We lost a person who gave us great times-countless laughs. He was brilliant. And kind. I met him only once but will never forget his gentle thoughtfulness," Farrow wrote. "He was with us through good times and hard times. Thank you Carl Reiner. His memory will be a blessing."

Rob McClure took a moment to share some advice with young entertainers and suggest they study Reiner's work.

"To any young actors who want to pursue comedy, Study Carl Reiner. Go down a YouTube spiral right now. Start with Sid Caesar and Our Show of Shows and go from there. He was THE MASTER. Thank you for the hundred year Master Class, Sir. You will be missed," Mclure tweeted.

"The Wire" and "Treme" actor Wendell Pierce tweeted: "A Legend. Thank you sir. RIP."

Stephen Colbert shared a photo of a young Reiner, calling him "The Greatest."

"Karate Kid" Ralph Macchio reflected on Reiner's "full life and iconic legacy."

Piers Morgan shared a quote from Reiner and thanked him for "all the laughs."

"RIP comedy genius Carl Reiner, 98. 'Everybody wants to laugh - you know that. They need to laugh ... people need to laugh.' So true," Morgan wrote.

"Parks and Rec" actor Ben Schwartz encouraged his followers to watch Reiner's work in his honor.

"Carl Reiner was a legend. Writer, director, actor, innovator. He helped shape so much in comedy. If you have time today put “Mel brooks and Carl Reiner” into youtube and enjoy two of the funniest humans making each other laugh for over 50 years," Schwartz tweeted.

Carl Reiner: Veteran comedian and 'Dick Van Dyke Show,' 'Ocean's' star dies at 98

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carl Reiner dead: Rob Reiner, Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, more react