(CNN) -- Jonathan Winters, the wildly inventive actor and comedian who appeared in such films as "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Loved One" and played Robin Williams' son on the TV show "Mork & Mindy," has died. He was 87. 

Winters died Thursday evening of natural causes at his home in Montecito, California, according to business associate Joe Petro III. 

Winters was known for his comic irreverence, switching characters the way other people flick on light switches. His routines were full of non sequiturs and surreal jokes. Williams, in particular, often credited him as a great influence. 

"First he was my idol, then he was my mentor and amazing friend," tweeted Williams. "I'll miss him huge. He was my Comedy Buddha. Long live the Buddha." 

Winters, who was widely admired by comedians in general, was awarded the Mark Twain Prize -- which goes to outstanding humorists -- in 1999. 

"Genius" was a common touchstone as comedians reacted to Winters' death. 

"R.I.P Jonathan Winters," tweeted comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks. "Beyond funny, he invented a new category of comedic genius." 

"Had a great run. Actual genius," tweeted Kevin Pollak. 

"A genius and the greatest improvisational comedian of all time," tweeted Richard Lewis. 

Gottfried: Jonathan Winters was mad brilliant 

Though he never had a breakout starring role, over the years his appearances on TV shows made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world. He was a favorite guest on "The Tonight Show" -- particularly in the early '60s when Jack Paar hosted it -- and turned up on the game show "The Hollywood Squares," Dean Martin's celebrity roasts and countless variety shows. 
What show likes having Winters on?
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The Tonight Show
 He was a favorite guest on "The Tonight Show" 
The Hollywood Squares and variety shows
 turned up on the game show "The Hollywood Squares," Dean Martin's celebrity roasts and countless variety shows.
an actor and comedian
Jonathan Winters, the wildly inventive actor and comedian 
he died
 Jonathan Winters, the wildly inventive actor and comedian who appeared in such films as "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Loved One" and played Robin Williams' son on the TV show "Mork & Mindy," has died
Thursday
Winters died Thursday
evening
Winters died Thursday evening
at home
Winters died Thursday evening of natural causes at his home in Montecito, California, according to business associate Joe Petro III. 
Montecito California
Winters died Thursday evening of natural causes at his home in Montecito, California
natural causes
Winters died Thursday evening of natural causes 
87
He was 87. 
Williams
"First he was my idol, then he was my mentor and amazing friend," tweeted Williams.
a mentor and friend
"First he was my idol, then he was my mentor and amazing friend
he was a genius
A genius and the greatest improvisational comedian of all time," tweeted Richard Lewis.
none
Though he never had a breakout starring role,
he was a genius
"Had a great run. Actual genius," tweeted Kevin Pollak
four
"Genius" was a common touchstone as comedians reacted to Winters' death. 
a comedian and filmmaker
comedian and filmmaker Albert Brooks
the Mark Twain Prize
was awarded the Mark Twain Prize 
in 1999
was awarded the Mark Twain Prize -- which goes to outstanding humorists -- in 1999. 
outstanding humorists
was awarded the Mark Twain Prize -- which goes to outstanding humorists -- in 1999