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The entertainment world was left shocked as news of the passing of Linda Lavin broke. The actress who is best known for her role in the Alice TV show died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87, from complications related to recently diagnosed lung cancer. Her death came as a shock, as she had been seen at the December 4 premiere of the latest Netflix series, No Good Deed. Lavin was active and lively at the premiere; she had an interview with PEOPLE, where she spoke about her gratitude for her ongoing career. She played Phyllis, a quirky neighbor in No Good Deed, and her performance was another remarkable role in her career. Just three weeks later, she passed away unexpectedly, leaving fans and colleagues to mourn the loss of a legend who helped shape television comedy in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Linda Lavin's acting career was “flowing” and full of “opportunities” CONRAD BLOOM, Linda Lavin, 1998. ph: ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection Before her death, The Alice actress remained professionally active; she showed no signs of slowing down even at 87. She had been promoting her role in No Good Deed while also filming the Hulu series Mid-Century Modern. During her last public appearance, she talked about her career and described it as “flowing” and full of opportunities. In an interview at the No Good Deed premiere, Lavin shared her perspective on acting and life, saying, “I’m thrilled to show up at this time in my life. I’m really grateful.” She also expressed her joy in finding inspiration for her characters from her everyday experiences, also emphasizing how her personal life influenced her performances. Beyond her screen roles, Lavin had a long-standing connection to Broadway. She won a Tony Award in 1987 for her performance in Broadway Bound. Even in her later years, she showed her commitment to the theater; she even performed in an off-Broadway play just two years ago. CAKEWALK, Linda Lavin, Variety Arts Theater, New York, 1996-97 (photo by Joan Marcus) Linda Lavin’s career may have started in the 1960s on Broadway, where she gained attention for her performances in shows like It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman! However, her breakout role came with the CBS sitcom Alice TV Show, where she played the character Alice Hyatt. Alice Hyatt was a single mother who worked as a waitress while chasing her dream of becoming a singer, the character was loved by viewers, this brought Lavin into fame. CONRAD BLOOM, Linda Lavin, 1998. ph: Gary Null / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection The Alice TV show ran from 1976 to 1985, and it revealed her comedic and dramatic traits. The show’s popularity kept her in the public’s heart, as many fans remember her as Alice Hyatt, a strong female lead on television. Because of her portrayal of Alice Hyatt, she won two Golden Globe Awards. Off-screen, Lavin’s life was equally rich. She was married to Steve Bakunas, an artist and musician, who frequently collaborated with her on creative projects. Lavin often spoke about the joy and fulfillment she found in her personal life. FOR THE FUTURE: THE IRVINE FERTILITY SCANDAL, Linda Lavin, aired August 21, 1996. ©Lifetime TV / courtesy Everett Collection Tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues to celebrate Linda Lavin Following her death, tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues. Liz Feldman, creator of No Good Deed, called her a “brilliant and gracious talent” and shared that working with Lavin was “an honor and a joy.” Fans took to social media to share memories of watching her on the Alice TV show, praising her warmth, humor, and ability to connect with audiences. ROOM FOR TWO, Linda Lavin, 1992-1993, © Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection Linda Lavin’s career spanned more than six decades, and she left her mark on both television and theater. She inspired generations of performers and entertained millions of viewers with her relatable characters. As Hollywood mourns the loss of a legend, Linda Lavin’s legacy lives on through her performances. She will be remembered as the actress who brought joy to audiences with her talent and skills.