Canadian-born actor Alan Thicke, best known for playing the dad on the ’80s TV show Growing Pains, has died at the age of 69.
Thicke suffered a fatal heart attack while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son Carter on December 14. He died at the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.
Thicke was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1947. He hosted the Canadian game show First Impressions in the late 1970s and went on to host The Alan Thicke Show in the early 1980s. He also wrote several well-known TV show theme songs for shows including Wheel of Fortune, Growing Pains and Diff’rent Strokes.
Thicke was best known for playing Jason Seaver, the father on the sitcom Growing Pains.
He is survived by his wife Tanya, and his three sons Robin, Brennan, and Carter.
Yesterday, singer Robin Thicke posted a tribute to his father on Instagram, writing that “he was the best man (he) ever knew.”
Other celebrities and well known personalities also sent their condolences to Thicke and his family over social media.
Alan Thicke was proudly Canadian, never forgetting his roots as he soared to stardom. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 14, 2016
America loved Alan Thicke. I’m so sad he’s gone. Sending so much love to his family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2016
Such a wonderful soul… you will be missed my friend. #AlanThicke
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) December 14, 2016
Alan Thicke was one of the nicest guys in our business. And he LOVED his family. And hockey. A shocking, sad loss.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 14, 2016
Just heard of #AlanThicke‘s passing. 1st job in LA was as an intern for him… He was a very nice boss. Sending good thoughts to his family.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December 14, 2016
So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) December 14, 2016
Saddened over the loss of my friend Alan. Condolences to his family.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 14, 2016
RIP to my brother Alan Thicke. The world has lost an icon. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/zIK0hzjihK
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 14, 2016
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