Ugly Betty and Gossip Girl actress Lisa Masters found dead in Peru aged 52

Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty actress Lisa Lynn Masters has been found dead.

The actress and model, 52, was discovered by staff at a hotel in Lima, Peru, on Tuesday evening.

Masters' friends have now set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for funeral costs and the transfer of the body back to the US.

During her career, Masters starred in Law & Order and the The Stepford Wives, as well as Ugly Betty and Gossip Girl.

It was reported that Masters had been battling mental health issues.

A statement from friends on her GoFundMe page said Masters had passed away "tragically and unexpectedly" at 11.50pm on Tuesday.