Ben Stiller pays tribute to his mother following her death

He wrote on Twitter: "Thank you so much for all the kind words about Anne. All of us in our family feel so lucky to have had her in our lives."

The tragic news of Anne's death was announced in a family statement yesterday (24.05.15).

It read: "The Stiller family is deeply saddened to share the beloved Anne Meara passed away last night at the age of 85. She is survived by her husband and partner in life Jerry Stiller. The two were married for 61 years and worked together almost as long.

"Anne’s memory lives on in the hearts of daughter Amy, son Ben, her grandchildren, her extended family and friends, and the millions she entertained as an actress, writer and comedienne."

In her career, which spanned well over half a century, the star was famous for her appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' as well as recurring roles in 'All My Children' and 'Sex and the City'.