AceShowbiz -

Rest in peace, Taylor Negron. The actor/comedian/playwright passed away Saturday, January 10 after a long battle with cancer, announced his cousin Chuck Negron of the band Three Dog Night. He was just 57.

"I want to inform you that my cousin Taylor Negron just passed away. His mother, his brother Alex and my brother Rene and his wife Julie were all there with him. May he rest in peace," said Chuck.

Taylor was known for his roles in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Easy Money". He also starred in movies like "The Last Boy Scout", and appeared on TV shows such as "Fresh Prince of Bel Air", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Friends", "Seinfeld", and "ER". Meanwhile, his credit as a playwright included "Gangster Planet" set during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

He was also a painter. Leaving art school at 19, he often sketched portraits of other extras on movie sets. "I'd say, 'Your mom would love a painting of you!' " he told Los Angeles Times in 1995. "A salesman! I'd hawk paintings."

In the wake of his death, a number of celebrities paid tribute to him on Twitter. "Taylor Negron was a very smart, funny caring individual with a unique comedic voice. #RESPECT," Ben Stiller tweeted. Kathy Griffin wrote, "O @Taylor_Negron countless nights of laughing, bombing, crushing it, doing standup together. Best post show recaps ever! RIP."

Billy Crystal posted, "So sad to hear of the loss of @Taylor_Negron. Brilliantly funny comedian actor and wonderful painter. #RestInPeace." Patton Oswald remembered the late star, "Hung out with Taylor Negron at the old Luna Park in the 90s. As fascinating in person as he was funny onstage. #RIPTaylorNegron."