Hollywood contemporaries have paid tribute to veteran actress Jean Simmons, who has died, aged 80, from lung cancer.

British actor Edward Fox said: "She was one of my pin ups when I was young. She was simply gorgeous, a real star, a true English girl and a very fine actress."

Actor and screenwriter Julian Fellowes described the silver screen legend as belonging to that "gentler generation of players, those who were well bred".

He continued: "Personally I mourn their passing. She was up there among the greats along with Audrey Hepburn and Deborah Kerr. I fear there ilk has not been replaced.''

Jean's agent announced she had passed away at her home in Santa Monica, California.

The London-born actress made her screen debut aged 14, in Give Us The Moon. The Emmy-winning and Oscar nominated star is perhaps best remembered for singing opposite Marlon Brando in Guys And Dolls and playing Ophelia in Hamlet

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