Leonard Nimoy - Stars Pay Tribute To Ernest Borgnine

The Oscar-winning film and TV actor, real name Ermes Effron Borgnino, was surrounded by his wife and children as he passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the age of 95 after suffering kidney failure.

Nimoy, who starred alongside Borgnine in American Western series Wagon Train, was among the first to remember the star, writing in a post on his Twitter.com page, "Ernest Borgnine was helpful to me when we worked together on Wagon Train. Before Star Trek. A good man. Rip."

Jenny MCCarthy, Borgnine's co-star in 1998 comedy BasEketball, adds, "Rip to my movie husband Ernest Borgnine", while Canadian actor Michael Shanks ‏remembers, "My first ever professional job was an ep (episode) of 'the Commish' guest starring Ernest Borgnine. Warm, generous, funny, genuine. Rest well sir."

Mantegna ‏revealed a personal connection to the star: "I cannot express my sorrow at the loss of Ernest Borgnine. He was a true Hollywood icon and a dear friend. My prayers go out to the family", as did Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy: "Ernie Borgnine scared me when I was a kid because he beat up my dad in a movie but he was a teddybear, friend always there for us."

Actress Marlee Matlin ‏reminisced about spending time with the actor during a photoshoot for Paramount Studios, telling her followers, "So sad to read about passing of Ernest Borgnine. We spoke recently at Paramount's 100th anniversary photo. A true legend & a gentleman. Rip", and Farrow simply stated, "Ernest Borgnine. May he rest in peace."

Jason Priestley, Tom Arnold, Gary Sinise and Jason Alexander also paid tribute to Borgnine on Twitter.