Hollywood screenwriter Don Payne has died.

News of the writer/producer's passing was revealed by The Simpsons writer Mike Scully on Twitter.com on Tuesday night (26Mar13).

In a post, he wrote, "Great writer, sweet guy, gone way too soon RIP Don Payne."

Actresses Kat Dennings and Jaimie Alexander, who both starred in Payne's 2011 movie Thor, flocked to pay tribute when they heard the news.

Alexander wrote on Twitter, "My heart is broken. You were a wonderful funny man who helped change my life and I will always love you. The world is less today. Don, may you rest in peace and may peace and love be with your family. You are in my heart always... I love you."

Dennings added, "A wonderful, beautiful man has passed away. Don Payne, I am lucky to have known you. You are so missed."

No further information was available about Payne's passing as Wenn went to press.

The writer worked on television sitcoms Hope & Gloria and The Brian Benben Show before going on to pen several episodes of hit animated show The Simpsons. He later moved into movies with credits including 2006's My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and Thor.

Most recently, he worked on Thor: The Dark World, which is set for release later this year (13).