Clooney mourns death of his pig

The actor often brought the pig on location when he was filming

Hollywood star George Clooney is in mourning for his beloved pot-bellied pig, Max.

The 300lb animal, which shared the actor's home, and sometimes his bed, for 18 years, died peacefully on Friday of "natural causes".

"I was really surprised, because he's been a big part of my life," the Ocean's 11 star told USA Today.

Clooney, 45, added that he had no plans to replace the pet. "I think Max covered all my pig needs," he said.

Max often accompanied Clooney on film sets, and the actor joked he had enjoyed "the longest relationship of my life" with the animal.

The film star, recently named the sexiest man alive by US magazine People, lost another pet - his bulldog, Bud - earlier this year.

"It has been a bad year for my pets," he said. "It's strange how animals become a big part of your family. They really become a big issue with you."

Max, who had arthritis and was partially blind, was reported to have died in the British press last year, prompting the actor to issue a denial.

Earlier this year Clooney took the pig for a flight in John Travolta's private jet, declaring afterwards that Max "absolutely loved it".