Jennifer Love Hewitt has been dealt a devastating blow - her mom and best friend Patricia has lost her battle with cancer.

The speech-language pathologist, who has been at her daughter's side for much of her career, passed away on Tuesday, aged 67.

The Client List star's representative says, "She was an angel to all who knew her and they are grateful she is now in a better place."

Patricia moved from Texas to Los Angeles in the late 1980s as her daughter chased her dream of becoming an actress.