Denzel Washington has paid tribute to Tony Scott.

The 57-year-old actor - who collaborated with the 'Top Gun' director five times - has expressed his sorrow at the tragic news of his ''genuine friend'' Tony, who allegedly committed suicide on Sunday (19.08.12) by jumping from a Los Angeles bridge.

Denzel told E!: ''Tony Scott was a great director, a genuine friend and it is unfathomable to think that he is now gone.

''He had a tremendous passion for life and for the art of filmmaking and was able to share this passion with all of us through his cinematic brilliance.

''My family sends their prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Scott family.''

Tony, 68, had directed Denzel in blockbusters 'Crimson Tide', 'Deja Vu', 'Man on Fire', 'The Taking of Pelham 123' and 'Unstoppable'.

The pair shared a close Friendship and Tony often spoke admiringly of the actor, most recently commenting: ''He's great at what he does ... and I always think, 'I'm going to go somewhere else other than Denzel ...' and I always come around and [choose him].' ''

Numerous Hollywood stars and filmmakers have paid tributes to the beloved action movie veteran, who was the brother of 'Alien' director Sir Ridley Scott.

Tom Cruise - who was said to have been working on a 'Top Gun' sequel with the British-born director - also issued a statement reading: ''Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him.

''He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable.''