- On December 29, Linda Lavin passed away.
- She was 87 years old when she died of complications related to lung cancer.
- Lavin was celebrated for her role in ‘Alice,’ and boasted a Tony award-winning Broadway career.
Actress Linda Lavin died on December 29, at the age of 87. News of her passing came as a shock to all who knew her, as she had been heavily engaged in filming the upcoming Hulu comedy series Mid-Century Modern, and was in the midst of promoting her new Netflix series, No Good Deed.
Lavin started off as a child actor before joining the Compass Players in ‘55. By the ‘60s, her Broadway career kicked off in earnest. After attracting national attention in 1966’s It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, Levin commenced her television career, first with Barney Miller then with Alice, where she boasted the title role from 1976 to 1985.
Meteoric rise to fame
Born on October 15, 1937, in Portland, Maine, Linda grew up in a musical household. Her father, David J. Lavin, owned a local business, and her mother, Lucille, was a talented opera singer who inspired Linda’s love for performance. She attended the College of William & Mary, where she pursued her passion for acting and graduated with a degree in theater arts. It was there that she began to hone the skills that would carry her to greatness.
Linda’s career took off in the 1960s when she made her Broadway debut in A Family Affair. Her early roles on stage revealed her knack for bringing depth and charm to every character she portrayed. Her transition to television came in the early 1970s, with guest appearances on popular shows like “Rhoda” and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which showcased her comedic timing and versatility. However, it was her iconic role as Alice Hyatt in the beloved sitcom Alice that catapulted her to fame. Premiering in 1976, the series captured audiences with its blend of humor and heart, and Linda’s portrayal of the strong-willed, quick-witted waitress earned her two Golden Globe Awards.
Beyond Alice, Linda’s career was marked by a string of memorable performances on stage and screen. She returned to Broadway throughout the years, earning a Tony Award for her role in “Broadway Bound” in 1987. She continued to shine in theater, with celebrated roles in productions like The Sisters Rosensweig and The Lyons. Her work demonstrated not only her range but also her deep commitment to her craft.
The sweeping legacy of Linda Lavin
In recent years, Linda remained a beloved presence in the entertainment industry. She appeared in acclaimed television series like The Good Wife and Mom, introducing her talents to a new generation of viewers. She also lent her voice to animated projects, collaborated with charities, and mentored young actors, ensuring her influence would be felt for years to come. Offstage, Linda was known for her warmth, humor, and dedication to causes close to her heart, including arts education and social justice.
Lavin’s representative shared that the Tony winner “passed unexpectedly due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer.”
Linda Lavin’s passing leaves a void in the world of entertainment that will not easily be filled. Her legacy endures in the performances she gave, the lives she touched, and the inspiration she provided to aspiring artists everywhere. She is survived by Steve Bakunas, her husband of 19 years, who was with her when she passed, according to Deadline. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.
After all, that’s exactly as she’d want it. Back in 1992, Lavin told People, “There’s a picture of me at 1 1/2 — I use it at the end of my show—where I’m in my rompers, looking out at the world with wonder and joy and hope,” adding, “That’s still me. I am still her.”
