Iconic French actor and 'Breathless' star Jean-Paul Belmondo dies at 88

Often compared to Hollywood greats like James Dean, Humphrey Bogart and Marlon Brando, Belmondo was known for his craggy handsome features with boxer's nose and irresistible presence on the silver screen.

According to AP, his death was confirmed Monday by the office of his lawyer, Michel Godest.

The legendary actor died peacefully at his home in Paris, reported AP.

Belmondo began his career with acting in theatres in the 1950s. He got his break into the film industry almost a decade later.

His first collaboration with the legendary director of New Wave cinema Jean-Luc Godard came in the 1958 short 'Charlotte And Her Boyfriend.'

Belmondo is perhaps best remembered for his classic and notable performance as an existential killer in Godard's 1960 film 'Breathless' ("Au Bout de Souffle") which added a new glory to the French New Wave.

He was critically acclaimed for essaying the character of a  wandering criminal named Michel in the movie.

He acted in Francois Truffaut's Mississippi Mermaid, a 1969 French romantic drama film co-starring Catherine Deneuve.

Following are some of the Twitter reactions which poured in since the legend's death news surfaced: