Comedian and actor Marc Maron has said he has been left "heartbroken" in a statement following the sudden death of girlfriend Lynn Shelton.

Shelton, who passed away on Friday at the age of 54, was a famed television director, working on popular television series such as Mad Men, GLOW, and Little Fires Everywhere.

She gained widespread attention after writing, directing, producing, and starring in the 2009 critically acclaimed indie-comedy Humpday.

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In a statement released to Indiewire, Maron said:

"I have some awful news. Lynn passed away last night. She collapsed yesterday morning after having been ill for a week.

"There was a previously unknown, underlying condition. It was not COVID-19. The doctors could not save her. They tried. Hard.

"I loved her very much as I know many of you did as well. It’s devastating. I am leveled, heartbroken and in complete shock and don’t really know how to move forward in this moment. I needed you all to know. I don’t know some of you. Some I do. I’m just trying to let the people who were important to her know.

"She was a beautiful, kind, loving, charismatic artist. Her spirit was pure joy. She made me happy. I made her happy. We were happy. I made her laugh all the time. We laughed a lot. We were starting a life together. I really can’t believe what is happening.

"This is a horrendous, sad loss."

Many other stars have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Shelton.

Filmmaker and cctor Mark Duplass (Creep, Bombshell) wrote on Twitter:

"We lost our dear friend Lynn Shelton. We made so many things together. I wish we had made more. Her boundless creative energy and infectious spirit were unrivaled. She made me better. We butted heads, made up, laughed, pushed each other. Like family. What a deep loss."

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Comedian Mindy Kaling, who worked with Shelton on The Kaling Project, also shared her tribute to Twitter, writing:

"Lynn Shelton loved actors and we loved her back. She was a dream on set. Her lovely, sunny energy was infectious and actors always drifted to video village between takes to be around her. She had such a quiet power and I will miss her. Rest In Peace, Lynn. Love you."

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Our thoughts are with Shelton's friends, family, and fans at this time.

Marc Maron releases statement following girlfriend Lynn Shelton's sudden death