US Director Kevin Smith says he is lucky to be alive after suffering a “massive heart attack following a comedy show on Monday.

The 47-year-old filmmaker tweeted a selfie from his hospital bed in California, saying he had suffered a major health crisis.

“After the first show this evening, I had a massive heart attack,” he wrote.

“The Doctor who saved my life told me I had 100% blockage of my LAD artery (aka “the Widow-Maker”).”

After the first show this evening, I had a massive heart attack. The Doctor who saved my life told me I had 100% blockage of my LAD artery (aka “the Widow-Maker”). If I hadn’t canceled show 2 to go to the hospital, I would’ve died tonight. But for now, I’m still above ground! pic.twitter.com/M5gSnW9E5h

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) February 26, 2018

The Jay and Silent Bob star was due to perform a second show for his stand-up comedy special, Kevin Smith Live!, that night but was forced to cancel for health reasons.

Smith said if he didn’t cancel the gig he “would’ve died tonight”.

“But for now, I’m still above ground!” he added.

Smith elaborated on the situation in a follow-up Facebook post, saying he was in good spirits despite his traumatic medical ordeal.

“What I learned about myself during this crisis: death was always the thing I was most terrified of in life,” he said.

When the time came, I never imagined I’d ever be able to die with dignity – I assumed I’d die screaming, like my Dad (who lost his life to a massive heart attack). But even as they cut into my groin to slip a stent into the lethal Widow-Maker, I was filled with a sense of calm.

“The point of this post is to tell you that I faced my greatest fear tonight… and it wasn’t as bad as I’ve always imagined it’d be.

“I don’t want my life to end but if it ends, I can’t complain. It was such a gift.”

Fans took to social media to offer words of encouragement to Smith, including a heartfelt message from Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt.

Kevin we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer. Can you please pray with me people!? 🙏♥️ https://t.co/syB7BiQaoY

— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 26, 2018

“Kevin we don’t know each other too good but I have loved you since Clerks and I’m praying my ass off for you cause I believe in the healing power of prayer,” Pratt said.

“Praying for you. I will continue to. You inspired me with Clerks when I was a senior HS. I’m tagging my Lb/rb football coach who showed me the movie cause he believed in me and knew I’d be inspired,” he said in a secondary tweet.