Distinguished British actor Paxton Whitehead has died aged 85, his son has confirmed.

The star, best known for his work in Fraser, Mad About You and Friends, died in a Virginia hospital on Friday.

His death was confirmed by Hollywood Reporter, however, the cause of death has yet to be shared.

Friends fans will remember Whitehead as Mr Waltham, the Bloomingdale boss of Jennifer Aniston's character, Rachel Green.

Waltham was also an uncle to Emily Waltham,the second wife of David Schwimmer's character, Ross Geller.

Paxton Whitehead on set alongside Jennifer Aniston and Tate Donovan. Credit: NBC

The actor also appeared in Murder, She Wrote, Law And Order, 3rd Rock From The Sun and Desperate Housewives.

Friends and fans of the late star have shared tributes on social media.

"Heartbroken to hear my dear friend and mentor Paxton Whitehead has passed away. He was an extraordinary actor, a brilliant friend, and truly wonderful human being," Jim Piddock said.

"He meant so much to so many people and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered."

Former co-star Dana Ivey said: "We first worked together in My Fair Lady in 1964, and the last time was in Importance Of Being Earnest in 2010 — friends for 59 years.

Actor Paxton Whitehead in 2005. Credit: Brad Barket/Getty Images

"I remember Paxton Whitehead in an early episode of The West Wing in the part of an art expert and his dry wit and sarcasm in an amazing script of a stolen painting to be returned to its original owner," Renford Marsden said.

"RIP and a great actor that will not be forgotten."

Along with his TV work, Whitehead was famous for playing "stuffy types" in films and also starred in a series of Broadway productions.

Some of these included My Fair Lady, Lettice And Lovage, Noises Off and The Importance Of Being Earnest. He was nominated for a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for his work in Camelot.

Whitehead is survived by his two children, Sarah and Charles.