Buck Henry death: The Graduate screenwriter and SNL star dies, aged 89

Henry also co-created the Emmy award-winning satirical spy sitcom Get Smart

Buck Henry, the acclaimed screenwriter behind The Graduate and Get Smart, has died, aged 89.

Henry died of a heart attack at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Health Centre, his family members have confirmed.

He is best known for co-writing The Graduate, the 1967 Oscar-nominated film starring Dustin Hoffman, and co-creating the Emmy award-winning satirical spy sitcom Get Smart with Mel Brooks.

The writer also received a Best Director Academy Award nomination for the comedy Heaven Can Wait alongside Warren Beatty.

Henry was a prolific screenwriter. He became a beloved and frequent host of Saturday Night Live and is perhaps best remembered for playing opposite John Belushi in the show’s Samurai skits.

The celebrated comedian went on to make appearances in sitcoms such as 30 Rock, Will & Grace and Murphy Brown.

Hollywood stars have paid tribute to the late comedian on social media. Producer Judd Apatow remembers Henry as “hilarious and brilliant”, calling him “one of the greats” in a post on Instagram.

The celebrated writer, director and actor is also known for his work on films including Catch 22, The Owl and the Pussycat, What’s Up, Doc? and To Die For.