Updated 7:00pm: Auckland's theatre community is reeling from the death of actress Sophia Hawthorne this afternoon, paying tribute to the daughter of Elizabeth and Raymond Hawthorne.

The grieving parents have paid tribute to their actress daughter following her sudden death today.

"Thank you to everyone who has called and emailed today following the deeply shocking news that our beautiful and talented daughter Sophia has passed away," renowned acting couple Elizabeth and Raymond Hawthorne said in a brief joint statement.

"As you can imagine it is a devastating loss for our family and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time."

In lieu of flowers Mr and Mrs Hawthorne have also asked people to please consider a donation to The Mental Health Foundation.

Hawthorne starred in Cabaret, Closer, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but it was her roles in movies, When Love Comes, and, Savage Honeymoon, in which she played wild-child Leesa Savage, that saw her breakthrough into the big screen.

Hawthorne was twice nominated for Best Actress in a TV Drama for her role in the television show Insiders Guide to Happiness.

She also starred in the TV movie Bliss: The Beginning of Katherine Mansfield.

Most recently, she starred as Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, opposite Shane Cortese.

Mr Cortese stated "I'm numb right now, Today the acting community lost a member of our family. I can't help but feel privileged to be the last to sing duets with her, to make people laugh with her, we will miss her. I will miss her."

In a tribute to the Savage Honeymoon star, Auckland Theatre Company artistic director Colin McColl remembered her as a "sweet, sensitive, kind, thoughtful, beautiful girl".

No further details relating to her death are known at this time.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
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• Youthline: 0800 376 633
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• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (available 24/7)
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