The death of highly-respected and much-lauded film director, Jonathan Demme, has occurred today.

The 73-year-old, who is behind Oscar-winning films including Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia passed away from esophageal cancer and complications from heart disease.

Tributes have poured in for the filmmaker, who also directed The Manchurian Candidate and Rachel Getting Married.

The much-loved filmmaker, who made his directorial debut in 1971, is survived by his wife, Joanne Howard, and three children.

Rest in Peace #JonathanDemme Do yourself a favour and watch one of his films today.

— Ben Orosz (@Ben3PO) April 26, 2017

This makes no sense! RIP #jonathandemme Stop Making Sense

— jane rosenthal (@janetribeca) April 26, 2017

R.I.P. Jonathan Demme a magnificent filmmaker, some of the best film have come from him heartbreaking news #JonathanDemme

— James Drain (@James_Drain) April 26, 2017

Favorite #JonathanDemme movie is Philadelphia. It is such an amazing film. He was a great film maker. RIP.

— Jess (@Jess4_RK) April 26, 2017

RIP Jonathan Demme #JonathanDemme Director of 1 of my fav movies ever: "The Silence Of The Lambs" with the amazing #JodieFoster

— Pedro SM(@DolphinPM) April 26, 2017

Really sad news. Something Wild, The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, all classics. Death of a great storyteller. #JonathanDemme RIP. https://t.co/JcDPResWFn

— Royston Deitch (@37filmsltd) April 26, 2017

#JonathanDemme has left our world. Was one of the greats. #rip

— Tony D (@Whotony) April 26, 2017