'Breaking Bad' star Robert Forster dies aged 78

The actor had been battling brain cancer

'Breaking Bad' actor Robert Forster has died age 78. EPA

Breaking Bad actor Robert Forster has died, aged 78.

On the same day as the release of his latest film, Breaking Bad spin-off El Camino, the actor passed away in his home, surrounded by his family. The star had been battling brain cancer.

As news of his death on Friday emerged, fans and co-stars began to pay tribute to the Oscar nominee on social media.

"I'm saddened today by the news that Robert Forster has passed away," said co-star Bryan Cranston. "A lovely man and a consummate actor. I met him on the movie Alligator 40 years ago, and then again on BB. I never forgot how kind and generous he was to a young kid just starting out in Hollywood. RIP Bob."

RIP Robert Forster!! A truly class act/ Actor!!

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) October 12, 2019

His Jackie Brown co-star Samuel L. Jackson tweeted that Forster was "truly a class act/Actor!!"

Forster began his career as an actor back in 1960, but it was his turn in Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film Jackie Brown that saw his star really rise, gaining him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

He went on to star in Lucky Number Slevin, Me Myself and Irene and Twin Peaks, before taking on the role of Ed Galbraith in Breaking Bad.

Forster is survived by his four children, four grandchildren and Grayson, his partner of 16 years.