Tributes have poured in for Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer, who has died aged 75.

The Dutch film legend died died at home in the Netherlands after a short illness last Friday.

Fans have since flocked to Twitter to remember the screen star, with many pointing out he passed away in the same year as his Blade Runner character.

He played replicant Roy Batty in the sci-fi epic, which was set in 2019 and featured his death.

One fan wrote: "Roy Batty, Rutger Hauer's iconic personage in Blade Runner, also died in 2019. R.I.P."

(Image: Ladd Company/Warner Bros/Kobal/REX)

Another added: "RIP Rutger Hauer, who like Roy Batty also passed away in 2019. Loved him. Just an unforgettable screen presence, the Mads Mikkelsen of my childhood."

A third added: "Rutger Hauer and Roy Batty both died in 2019 and I'm having a hard time believing he didn't do that on purpose just to mess with us."

Celebrity tributes came from EastEnders actor Jake Wood, who worked with the screen legend on Flesh & Blood in 1984.

He tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of Rutger Hauer.

"I played the drummer boy in Flesh & Blood in 1984 and I got to spend 4 months in a castle in Spain with him, times I shall never forget.

"What an amazing guy, RIP my friend."

(Image: WARNER BROS)

Director Guillermo Del Toro tweeted: "RIP the great Rutger Hauer: an intense, deep, genuine and magnetic actor that brought truth, power and beauty to his films.

"My personal favorites: Flesh + Blood, Eureka, The Hitcher, Blade Runner, Ladyhawke and Blind Fury."

His death was confirmed by his agent, Steve Kenis, who revealed Hauer died on 19 July and his funeral was held today.

He is best remembered for his role in 1982's B;ade Runner, but he also appeared in 2005's Sin City as Cardinal Roark and in Batman Begins as the corporate villain who Bruce Wayne discovers is running Wayne Corp.

As well as sci-fi and superheros, Hauer also appeared in a slew of horror films including Dracula 3D and 2011's The Rite with Anthony Hopkins.

He also starred as a psychotic killer in 1986's The Hitcher and took on the main role in 2011's Hobo with a Shotgun.

(Image: REUTERS)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Hauer's other film credits include 1985's Ladyhawke, Flesh & Blood and George Clooney directorial debut Confessions of a Dangerous Mind in 2002.

His TV roles included playing vampire Barlow in the 2004 miniseries based on Stephen Kings Salem’s Lot, appearing opposite Rob Lowe and Donald Sutherland.

He was married twice and is survived by his second wife, Ineke ten Cate, who he was married to for 50 years.

Hauer had a daughter, actress Aysha Hauer, with his first wife Heidi Merz.