Actress Lynne Marie Stewart has died aged 78

The 72-year-old said in a tribute on Instagram Lynne was "one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived".

She added: "The iconic Miss Yvonne of 'Pee-wee's Playhouse': She'll always be 'the most beautiful woman in Puppetland'."

Fans and colleagues also took to social media to express their condolences, with messages such as: "So sorry to hear, sending prayers for peace" and "The most beautiful woman in Puppetland - we love you forever."

Lynne, born in 1946, was best known for her portrayal of Miss Yvonne in the 1986-1991 CBS children's television series 'Pee-wee's Playhouse'.

She originated the role in the 1981 stage production 'The Pee-wee Herman Show' before reprising it for television.

The actress later returned to the character in a Los Angeles stage revival in 2010 and a Broadway production at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre the same year.

In addition to her work on 'Pee-wee's Playhouse', Lynne had a recurring role on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' as Bonnie Kelly, the mother of Charlie Day's character, Charlie Kelly.

Her other television appearances included guest roles on Disney's 'Austin and Ally' and 'Good Luck Charlie' in 2011, as well as credits in 'Raising Hope', 'Marvin Marvin' and 'Comedy Bang! Bang!'.

She also had a small role in the 2011 film 'Bridesmaids'.

Lynne was known to be private about her personal life and was not reported to have been married.