Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley Speak Out After Big Little Lies Director Jean-Marc Vallée Dies

Big Little Lies stars are speaking out after director Jean-Marc Vallée died suddenly at age 58.

Vallée, who also helmed other highly acclaimed projects like Dallas Buyers Club, Wild and Sharp Objects, died unexpectedly on Sunday at his cabin outside Quebec City, PEOPLE confirmed. His cause of death was not immediately known.

Following the news, Reese Witherspoon, who starred in both Big Little Lies and Wild, shared a brief message on Twitter and Instagram

"My heart is broken. My friend. I love you," the actress, 45, wrote.

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Her BLL costar, Shailene Woodley, also paid tribute to Vallée on social media, sharing a photo of him cooking on her Instagram Story.

"I am in shock. Complete and utter shock," began Woodley, 30. "My f—--- god death is the worst."

"But I guess somehow I know you will turn it into a grand adventure … one for the books," she continued on another slide. "One I can't wait to read & to watch when my time comes."

"It doesn't make sense though dude. It doesn't make sense. Maybe when we wake up tomorrow you'll be there laughing saying it was just a satirical short film you made. That it's not real," Woodley concluded.

In a separate post, Woodley wrote, "You celebrated us women through our thickest & thinnest moments. you were there. you always wrote back, called back, texted back … immediately. no matter how busy you were," later adding, "Saying you will be missed is a massive under statement. you gave the world, and my tiny world, the treasure of feeling less alone + more alive. we will miss you everyday. thank you for being the artist so few of us can claim ourselves to be today: authentic, dedicated, well crafted, and true. I love you. transition beautifully ma chérie."

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shailene woodley/ instagram

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On her own Instagram page, Laura Dern posted a photo of her posing with Vallée alongside a heartfelt message. Like Witherspoon, Dern, 54, worked with the late director on both Wild and Big Little Lies.

"Beautiful Jean-Marc Vallee. The world has lost one of our great and purest artists and dreamers. And we lost our beloved friend. Our hearts are broken," the actress wrote.

Nicole Kidman also shared a tribute on social media. "It's hard to imagine someone as vital, energetic and present as Jean-Marc being gone. I'm shattered. He was at the center of my creative universe and I can't overstate his significance to me," she wrote, along with photos from their time on Big Little Lies.

Kidman continued, "Jean-Marc was not only responsible for some of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career, but his friendship, kindness and love were an inspiring force I will carry with me. I will always cherish those nights filming above the crashing waves of Big Sur… It doesn't get better than that. I am forever grateful for my time shared with this extraordinary human. Forever Jean Marc."

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Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Vallée studied filmmaking at the Collège Ahuntsic and the Université du Québec à Montréal. His breakout feature film was C.R.A.Z.Y., which he wrote and directed.

"Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently," his producing partner, Nathan Ross, said in a statement to PEOPLE. "He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn't help but see the talent and vision he possessed."

"He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me," the statement continued. "The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on."

Vallée is survived by his sons, Alex and Émile, and siblings Marie-Josée Vallée, Stéphanie Tousignant and Gérald Vallée.