Zach Braff has paid tribute to his former Scrubs co-star Sam Lloyd, who has died at the age of 56.

Sam was best known as the lovable but bumbling lawyer Ted Buckland in the hit medical comedy. 

News of his death was confirmed by his representatives on Friday night, and came after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lung cancer last year.

Zach, who played John ‘JD’ Dorian on Scrubs, said Sam “could not have been a kinder man” as he paid his respects on Twitter. 

He tweeted: “Rest In Peace to one of the funniest actors I’ve ever had the joy of working with. Sam Lloyd made me crack up and break character every single time we did a scene together.

“He could not have been a kinder man. I will forever cherish the time I had with you, Sammy.”

Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Thinking a lot about Sam Lloyd today. (Ted). Truly such a kind, sweet guy. He will be missed by so many.”

Throughout his time on Scrubs, Sam – an accomplished musician – appeared with his real-life band The Blanks, an a cappella group, to perform a variety of covers.

In the show they appeared under various names, including Ted’s Band and The Worthless Peons.

Sam was also known for his work on sitcom Cougar Town, as well as Malcolm in the Middle, The West Wing and Desperate Housewives.

Most recently, he appeared in the final season of Modern Family.

Sam was the nephew of Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd and is survived by wife Vanessa and son Weston.