David Kendall, the producer of hit sitcoms such as Hannah Montana, Boy Meets World and Growing Pains, has died at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong and Will Friedle on their Pod Meets World Instagram account. "To say that David Kendall was instrumental in the creation of Boy Meets World would be an understatement. He directed, wrote and executive produced our show, but also helped mould some of TV’s most memorable sitcoms, from Growing Pains to Hannah Montana," they wrote.

"In addition to helping develop Danielle, Will & Rider’s young creative voices (both as a co-worker and later mentor), he worked with stars like Austin Butler, Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas brothers in the early stages of their careers.We are devastated to lose such an important person in our lives, both professionally and personally."

Continuing, they penned: "We all kept in touch with David over the past 30 years, and are honoured that we were able to share his incredible personality with our Pod Meets World listeners. We have lost a vital piece of our family – but we ask that the next time you watch the show, especially Seasons 2 & 3 (when he served as showrunner), you think of our beloved Kendall," they concluded. "We love you, David. Rest in peace. No notes."

His cause of death was shared by TV icon Melissa Joan Hart who paid sweet tribute to him with a montage of images featuring her with David through the years.

Captioning it, she wrote: "My dear friend passed away this weekend after brave fight with cancer. #DavidKendall was our showrunner for all 5 years on #MelissaandJoey.

"He lead that set and writers room with courage, with integrity and always with joy. As the show was ending, he caught me tearing up and heard me when I said: 'My kids don't applaud when I make good Mac and cheese. But here everyone tells me I'm funny and I'm pretty. Im gonna miss that!' So most Thursday's for the past 12 years I would get a text from David telling me I'm funny and pretty. He just knew how to make people feel the love!!! He is gone too soon! I send love to his wife Wendy and his children!"

Actress Eliza Donovan also paid tribute. Sharing a picture of David to her Instagram page, she commented: "I am just hearing of your passing, David. Sending so much love to your family.

"David Kendall was a gifted writer producer showrunner and general champion of creative people. He was good to me. He was a part of so many wildly successful television series and I was fortunate enough to have worked with him several times. This is too soon."

Alongside his work on TV David also worked in films. He directed the 2005 film Dirty Deeds, which starred Milo Ventimiglia and Lacey Chabert, and he wrote the screenplays for the films The New Guy and Revenge of the Bridesmaids.

His death comes just over a month after the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana on March 24. To mark the occasion, Disney+ premiered the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, featuring Miley Cyrus and a look back at the show's impact.