Zooey Deschanel issues emotional tribute to on-screen dad Rob Reiner after he and wife were found dead at home

Actor Zooey Deschanel has paid a heartbreaking tribute to legendary director Rob Reiner after he was found dead at home with his wife.

The 45-year-old starred alongside Reiner in New Girl, where he played the father of main character Jess (played by Deschanel). Reiner appeared in 11 episodes, from the second season to the seventh.

Tragically, the 78-year-old, who directed the likes of Stand By Me and When Harry Met Sally, was found dead at his LA home on Sunday (December 14) alongside wife Michele Singer, 68, in an 'apparent homicide'.

Still reeling from the news of his untimely passing, Deschanel paid tribute to her on-screen dad, saying in an Instagram post: "My heart is broken. Rob Reiner was the absolute warmest, funniest, most generous of spirits."

Zooey Deschanel shared a cherished photo of her and Reiner (@zooeydeschanel/Instagram)

Her tribute continued by praising the Hollywood legend's character, saying: "A truly good human being. An incredible artist and such a playful and fun collaborator.

"I cherish the time we spent working together and the many films he made that have shaped who I am.

"Rob and his lovely wife Michele were always so kind and it brought me so much joy any time I was lucky enough to see them.

"I’m absolutely devastated. Sending so much love to their family and friends," followed by a broken heart emoji.

Deschanel's heartbroken words followed those of her on-screen mom, Jamie Lee Curtis, who said their deaths had taken away two of her 'great friends'.

Curtis went on to say in her tribute: "There will be plenty of time later to discuss the creative lives we shared and the great political and social impact they both had on the entertainment industry, early childhood development, the fight for gay marriage and their global care for a world in crisis.

"We have lost great friends. Please give us time to grieve."

Deschanel and Reiner together on New Girl's sixth season (FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)

Fans of the show have also shared their devastation at the loss of Reiner, with many saying they will remember him as the show's affable and funny father figure.

One wrote: "One of my all time favorite shows is New Girl. Rob Reiner plays the dad in the show and comes in with the funniest stuff, and whenever I had a rough day I'd watch those episodes to get a laugh."

Police have since arrested the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, who is currently being held on a $4 million bond.

Reiner had worked on the 2016 film Being Charlie with Nick. The semi-autobiographical movie examines addiction struggles, loosely based on Nick's own experience with substance abuse.