The 44-year-old star, who found fame with his 1991 hit Now That We Found Love and appeared in several movies, was reportedly rushed to a hospital this afternoon after a 911 call was made from his Beverly Hills home.

Officials tell TMZ that no foul play is suspected, and they are investigating the death.

Heavy D, whose real name is Dwight Arrington Myers, had just performed at two special events last month: the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales and the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. He also has a minor role in the new Eddie Murphy comedy Tower Heist.

The overweight star tweeted a simple final message earlier today: “BE INSPIRED!”

Famous fans from throughout Hollywood are taking to Twitter to remember Heavy D and express shock at his sudden death. A roundup of who’s saying what:

-Samuel L. Jackson: “Ahhh man! Heavy D?! Dwight wz a dear friend. Fond memories of a truly cool brutha.”

-Usher: “This is too heavy, I can’t believe it. HEAVY D was just here. Truly gone too soon. My heart and support goes out to his family. R.I.P HEAVY”

-Ne-Yo: “Man. I was just with Heavy D recently in London. Had I known it’d be the last time I’d see him, I woulda told him he was truly great. RIP…”

-LL Cool J: “May GOD embrace the soul of Heavy D and Bless his family. I respected you Heavy and I always will.”

-Fred Savage: “Rest in Peace Heavy D. You provided the soundtrack to some of the best times of my teenage years. Your music will always make me smile.”

-Eve: “RIP HEAVY D… Sending my prayers and condolences to family and friends”

-Joel Madden: “Heavy D was a truly positive and uplifting man. Rest in peace Heavy. Its a very Sad day today.”

-Keyshia Cole: “When I met Heavy D.. He said ‘believe U have a good soul, Sing with always having Something to say’”

-Big Boi: “R.I.P Heavy D a true pioneer may god bless your soul”

-Sinbad: “It is a sad day today .. My younger yellow brother from another mother ‘heavy D’ passed away today. I loved that brother. He was a good man”

-Alyssa Milano: “Heavy D gave me advice when I was pregnant. He said, ‘Cherish every single moment. It goes by way too fast.’ Rest in peace, Heavy D.”

-Jill Scott: “Oh my heart aches!! In shock. Can’t believe Heavy D is gone. Such a positive sweet hearted man. Please pray for his daughter.”

-Wilmer Valderrama: “We have lost another member of Hip Hop’s legacy, a TRUE Rap legend… ‘Heavy D’ RIP…… WV”

-Missy Elliott: “U will be missed Heavy D so many laughs we’ve shared but your Music is Timeless and will Always be Around 4ever Love u Heav…”

Posted on November 14, 2011