Kiefer Sutherland has led tributes to his 24 co-star and a Star Trek legend, who has died at the age of just 62.
Emmy Award winner Manny Coto lost his 13-month battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday (July 10), a family member confirmed to Variety.
The writer and producer, who was born in Cuba, died in Pasadena, California, after a career spanning decades.
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As well as writing for 24 – with Kiefer at the helm as Jack Bauer – he also worked on shows like American Horror Story, Star Trek: Enterprise and Dexter.
Kiefer took to Instagram on Tuesday (July 11) to show his appreciation for the star, writing: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Coto, one of the head writers of 24.
“It was an honour to speak your words. Rest in peace.”
Fans soon streamed to the comments section to chime in with their own agreement, with one writing: “Such an amazing script and incredible storytelling that he helped write up for you and everybody to bring to life on screen! Rest in peace Manny.”
Someone else said: “RIP, such amazing writing and so sorry for your loss.”
While a third social media user penned: “Here, in Italy, his work was truly appreciated! Rest in peace!”
A statement from 20th Television and FX read: “Manny was an incredibly beloved member of the 20th Television and FX family for close to two decades.
“He was brilliantly creative with a deep intellectual curiosity, and his loyalty and friendship touched many.
“He will be immensely missed by all who were fortunate to have known and worked with him over the years, and our sincere condolences go out to his beautiful family at this most difficult time.”
While Coto’s younger brother Juan Carlos wrote: “I started as a PA on his Super-8s. He was my inspiration and my guiding light – in the craft, and in life.
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“I’ve sat on many panels where people comment that they never had anyone to look up to while they were breaking into the business. ‘There was no one like me who was doing it.’
“I never had that problem. I had Manny. He was fearless, and that allowed me to be fearless, too.
“I have lost a brother and a best friend. He joins our brother Jorge in heaven. Their memory lives on.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk