Bubba Smith, the American football star who found fame on screen playing Hightower in the Police Academy movies, has died at the age of 66.

The 6ft 7in (2m) star won the 1971 Super Bowl with the Baltimore Colts and moved into acting in the late 70s.

He played the softly-spoken Moses Hightower in six Police Academy films.

Smith was found dead at his home in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but police have said it did not appear to be suspicious.

Fellow Police Academy star Steve Guttenberg paid tribute to Smith saying "his generosity was far larger than his physical stature".

He told TMZ: "Only his gift for caring about his friends and family could compare with his achievements on the football field, film and television. He also laughed like no other."

Sad news. I really enjoyed those film when I was young. Cheesy, yet entertaining.

I thought Blue Thunder was the helicopter movie similar to Airwolf. He probably more famous, outside America, for the Police Academy movies.

I thought Blue Thunder was the helicopter movie similar to Airwolf. He probably more famous, outside America, for the Police Academy movies.

I loved his character in the Police Academy films. He came across as this big mean ol' son of a gun but then showed his nice side. Along with Motormouth Jones who could keep me amused for hours with his voice, Esterbrook who could keep me entertained in some different ways , and Tackleberry who had firepower, they IMO were the reason to watch the show.

I remember that. It wasn't as good as Airwolf.