Actor Bill Nunn, who was best known for playing Radio Raheem in the Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing, has died at the age of 62 according to the director.

The news was announced on Instagram by Lee, who paid a moving tribute to Nunn who he described as a "dear friend" and a "great actor".

According to reports Nunn died in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He had a career which spanned over 30 years and his credits included Sister Act with Whoppi Goldberg and the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy.

Rap group Salt N Pepa offered condolences to Nunn's family via Twitter.