We were all very sad when we heard the news that young actor Brad Renfro had died earlier this week. While the autopsy is scheduled to be undertaken today to find out the reason for Brad’s death, many of Hollywood’s greats have been paying tribute to Brad, 25.

“I had the pleasure of working with Brad when he was 11 in The Client,” says Susan Sarandon. “It was obvious to everyone that he was the sweetest, most incredibly gifted young actor to come along for some time. My heart goes out to the family for their tragic loss.”

Sir Ian McKellen, who co-starred with Brad in Apt Pupil says, “He was a kid having fun and that’s how I shall always remember him. But he was more than that. He was a proper actor and when we worked together he was determined to be accepted as such. He longed to belong in the alien world which perhaps in the end overwhelmed him. He was only 25 and it is dreadful we shan’t see all that he might have achieved.”

Marco Weber, the producer of The Informers, the movie Brad had finished filming in South America with Winona Ryder and Billy Bob Thornton, says “Brad was an exceptionally talented young actor and our time spent with him was thoroughly enjoyable.”

Brad’s dad has also spoken about his son, whom he spoke to the day before he died. “Brad was my son, and I loved him very much,” he says. “We’re all just very proud of all the things he accomplished. We’re all just devastated by this tragedy. Everyone’s had their heart taken out.”

I’ve read that Brad was heard snoring the night before he was found dead, and that he died in his sleep. This whole thing has really saddened me, love muffins. We’ve seen too many young stars die. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what the autopsy reveals.

If you’re in Los Angeles this weekend a group of Brad’s friends, fans and supporters are meeting on Saturday, January 19th at 5 p.m.in front of Crane’s Hollywood Tavern at 1611 N. El Centro Avenue for a candlelight vigil.