Hollywood star Karen Black, who featured in cult films such as Five Easy Pieces and Nashville, has died aged 74.

Hugely prolific, the Illinois-born actress appeared in more than 100 movies over a career spanning 40 years.

She shot to fame in 1969, starring as a prostitute in Easy Rider opposite Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper.

She died at a clinic in Los Angeles, three years after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Her fourth husband, Stephen Eckelberry, posted the news on his Facebook page.

'It is with great sadness that I have to report that my wife and best friend, Karen Black has just passed away, only a few minutes ago,' he wrote.

'Thank you all for all your prayers and love, they meant so much to her as they did to me.'

Stars paid tribute to Black on Twitter, including Mia Farrow who tweeted: 'Wonderful Karen Black rest in peace.'

Actress Juliette Lewis said: 'Karen Black was my mentor and a 2nd mother to me. She inspired everyone she came in contact with. Her spirit/strength My luv [sic] is beyond words.'

Black, who was raised in a Chicago suburb, almost always played troubled, neurotic characters.

She earned an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe award for her role as Rayette Dipesto in 1970 film Five Easy Pieces, opposite Jack Nicholson, as a waitress who dates an upper-class dropout..