Liz Sheridan, the actress who played Jerry Seinfeld’s mother in his popular sitcom, has died aged 93.

Sheridan died in her sleep at home in New York City, her representative Amanda Hendon said.

Her death on Friday was only five days after her 93rd birthday.

Seinfeld paid tribute to her in a tweet and sharing a picture of the pair.

“Liz was always the sweetest, nicest TV mom a son could wish for,” he wrote.

“Every time she came on our show it was the cosiest feeling for me. So lucky to have known her.”

His fellow Seinfeld star Jason Alexander also tweeted: “Oh my Lord, just learning of the passing of Liz Sheridan.

“She was as gracious and graceful a person and actress as you’ll ever meet. Fascinating life. Wonderful lady. Rest well.”

As well as her role in Seinfeld’s self-titled sitcom, Sheridan had a prolific stage career.

She appeared on Broadway in plays and musicals during the 1970s including Happy End with Meryl Streep and Ballroom.