"Two and a Half Men" star Jon Cryer, who memorably played Duckie in the John Hughes-penned 'Pretty in Pink,' is opening up to ET about the famed writer/director's death.

"This is a horrible tragedy. He was an amazing man to work for and with," Cryer says about Hughes. "He respected young actors in a way that made you realize you had to step up your game because you were playing in the big leagues now. That's why he got such great performances out of his actors. My heart goes out to his wife Nancy and their children."

Hughes passed away of a heart attack at age 59.