Jan Hooks dead: Former Saturday Night Live star dies from 'serious illness' at 57

The comedienne appeared on the NBC variety show from 1986 to 1994

Jan Hooks, former star of Saturday Night Live, has passed away after suffering from a 'serious illness', it has been reported.

Her cause of death remains unknown.

The comedienne appeared on the NBC variety show from 1986 to 1994.

On the show, she was one half of the Sweeney Sisters act and famously impersonated Sinead O’Connor and Hillary Clinton.

Her co-stars at the time included Mike Myers, Dana Carvey and Chris Farley.

Born in Georgia, she was also noted for playing Vicki Dubcek in the comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun.

"Incredibly sad about Jan Hooks," wrote Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids, which featured SNL alumni Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph.

"She was truly one of my favorite SNL cast members. So funny. A sad day for comedy."

Kristen Johnston, who starred opposite Hooks in 3rd Rock from the Sun, posted: "I can't believe she's gone, another comedic genius."

Arrested Development actor Tony Hale added: "So so gifted. RIP Jan Hooks."