Twin Peaks and Kill Bill actor Michael Parks has died aged 77.

Writer and close friend Kevin Smith announced the news to legions of fans over Twitter. Parks leaves behind one son, James, and his wife Oriana.

He played French-Canadian drug runner Jean Renault in the ABC television series Twin Peaks and on the official "Kill Bill" website it proclaims that he is "frequently cited by longtime fan Quentin Tarantino as the world's greatest living actor."

(Image: Showtime) (Image: CBS)

In Kill Bill II he portrayed contrasting roles as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw and Esteban Vihaio.

Smith wrote roles for Parks, notably the lead in Red State. He paid tribute to his pal's acting talent in a lengthy post.

He wrote: "I hate to report that my cinematic muse #michaelparks has passed away.

"Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform.

(Image: Rex Features) (Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Rex Features)

"And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set.

"From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of #fromdusktildawn at an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90's, I said to @samosier

"Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? I gotta write for him one day."

"It took me 15 years but my dream came true on Red State (for which Parks won Best Actor at the @sitgesfestival) and then again years later with #tusk. Only Michael Parks could have delivered the line

(Image: WireImage)

(Image: WireImage) (Image: WireImage)

(Image: Rex Features)

"Is man indeed a walrus at heart?" and make it scary as fuck.

"My favorite memory of Michael is watching him and #johnnydepp act with and at each other, like a couple of dueling wizards, in their shared scene in Tusk.

"Parks was in Heaven that day, sharing the screen with another brilliant actor and creating an unforgettable performance.

(Image: Rex Features) (Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Rex Features) (Image: Rex Features)

"He elevated any flick or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for. I was so f***ing blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius.

"But really, I was just lucky to have known him at all. My heart goes out to James (Michael's son), Oriana (Michael's wife), Quentin Tarantino (Michael's biggest fan) and any movie or music lover who was ever dazzled by the talents of Michael Parks. Farewell, old friend.

"I'll see you farther along... #KevinSmith #actor #genius #rip #walrusyes."