The Big Lebowski's Jon Polito has died aged 65. Picture: Supplied

Polito appeared in more than 100 movies but many of them for Joel and Ethan Coen, including Miller’s Crossing, The Man Who Wasn’t There and Barton Fink.

The Big Lebowski's Jon Polito, pictured with Jeff Daniels, has died aged 65.Source:Supplied

More recently he turned up in Modern Family as Earl Chambers, the nemesis of Ed O’Neill’s character Jay Pritchett and the owner of Closets, Closets, Closets, Closets.

Celebrities including close friend Marcia Gay Harden, Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and The West Wing’s Richard Schiff tweeted about their sadness at his death.

Film director John McNaughton broke the tragic news Friday morning on Facebook, writing that he was saddened to hear that his dear friend and collaborator has passed away.

Jon Polito played the nemesis of Ed O'Neill's character Jay Pritchett on Modern Family. He is seen here with Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied

“Jon and I worked together in TV starting with episodes of Homicide: Life on the Street, some pilots and Masters of Horror,” McNaughton wrote. “He appeared in over 100 films, countless TV episodes and on Broadway. Jon was a born actor and will be deeply missed by his legion of friends, fans, family and of course his longtime partner, Darryl Armbruster to whom I send my condolences. R.I.P. old pal — JM.”

TMZ reports that Polito was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2008 and recently underwent surgery that led to an infection. He slipped into a coma on Sunday.

He most recently landed a role in the film The Maestro, which is currently in pre-production.

He also starred in several Broadway productions, including the 1984 revival of Death of a Salesman.

Polito was openly gay and had been with his partner, fellow actor Darryl Armbruster, since 2000.

Jon Polito, right, with Miller's Crossing co-star Marcia Gay Harden and partner Darryl Armbruster. Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied