Death

Linda Lavin, known for her role as Alice Hyatt in the classic CBS sitcom Alice, passed away on Sunday, December 29 at 87. Her unexpected death was caused by complications from recently diagnosed lung cancer. Throughout her extraordinary career in the movie industry that lasted for six decades, Lavin left an indelible mark on stage and screen while building a life filled with love, resilience, and notable achievements. At the heart of the Golden Globe award-winner’s later years was her husband, Steve Bakunas, and their love story was one of passion, beauty, and mutual respect. For about 20 years, Lavin and musician Steve Bakunas lived together as a couple. They got married on Valentine’s Day in 2005 after meeting six years earlier at a theater in North Carolina. The fairytale marriage between Linda Lavin and Steve Bakunas Linda Lavin and Steve Bakunas/ImageCollect Lavin and Steve Bakunas’ relationship was not only romantic; they were also creative partners who uplifted one another—and others. They founded the Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, where they built a community and shared their love for the arts. In her final public appearances, Lavin frequently expressed her gratitude for her relationship with Steve Bakunas. Just weeks before her passing, she described her life with him as “wonderful,” sharing her joy in interviews and on social media. “Having the best birthday ever with my life’s love,” she captioned the Instagram post. Linda Lavin/ImageCollect Before her union with Steve Bakunas, Lavin had two failed marriages. In 1969, she wedded actor Ron Leibman, and their relationship lasted over a decade. Even though they eventually parted ways in 1981, both actors maintained mutual respect. In 1982, Lavin married actor Kip Niven, but their relationship brought about public challenges. At first, they got closer after working together on Alice, but their marriage ended in 1992. Lavin later spoke about the difficulties she experienced in the relationship, noting the lack of support. Despite this, she came out bigger and better. Linda Lavin with her husband/ImageCollect Career and life Linda Lavin’s career was not limited to Broadway, it also extended to television, and film, earning her great recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards and a Tony Award. She came into the limelight with Alice, where she played a single mother navigating life with humor and heart. The role resonated with fans and viewers and afterward, she became a household name. When Alice ended in 1985, Lavin returned to the stage. Her Broadway performances, particularly in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, earned her several awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actress. Linda Lavin/ImageCollect Meanwhile, Lavin not only contributed to the movie industry, she was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights, marching for the Equal Rights Amendment and joining the National Commission on Working Women. Her legacy includes not only her work on stage and screen but also her commitment to using every opportunity she had to inspire change among others. In her later years, Lavin continued to perform and connect with her fans and lovers. Despite her health challenges, she knew how to capture the attention of viewers. Her appearances in shows like No Good Deed and the upcoming Hulu series Mid-Century Modern showed her great talent and dedication to her work. Linda Lavin/ImageCollect Hence, the movie industry has experienced a great loss. Lavin’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in the entertainment world, but her legacy lives on. Her marriage to Steve Bakunas, her work in television and theater, and her advocacy for equality will forever leave a lasting impact. Everyone, including fans, friends, and colleagues, remembers Lavin as a trailblazer with a warmth and wit that touched those who knew her, especially Patricia Heaton, who paid tribute to her following her death. Her husband, Steve Bakunas, also continues to honor her memory.