Alan Thicke, the Canadian actor who rose to fame as TV dad Dr Jason Seaver on '80s sitcom Growing Pains, has died, aged 69, his publicist has confirmed.
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"Alan's sudden passing has been confirmed. At present, we have no further details," Monique Moss said in a brief email.
A source close to the family told Reuters by telephone that Thicke suffered a heart attack and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, in Burbank, California, where he was pronounced dead.
Grammy award nominated-singer Robin Thicke told the Los Angeles Times newspaper that his father was playing hockey with another of his sons, 19-year-old actor/writer Carter Thicke, when he suffered the heart attack.
"I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him," Thicke told the newspaper, adding that his father was an inspiration for his own musical career. "The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure."
"Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest," tweeted Carter Thicke late Tuesday night, sharing a photo of the two together. "You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time."
Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time. pic.twitter.com/ZQd2NZMTx4— Carter Thicke (@CarterThicke) December 14, 2016
He was pronounced dead at noon local time (7am AEST).
The actor's Twitter page was active just hours before news of his death broke, with Thicke tweeting about his excitement over appearing in season two of Netflix's Full House reboot, Fuller House.
Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I’m not in! #fullerhouse @fullhouseguy @bobsaget @candacecbure #netflix— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) December 13, 2016
He had also tweeted about accepting an Icon Award at the Whistler Film Festival in Canada earlier in the day.
Thanks to Whistler Film Fest for the Icon Award. I promise to try and stay iconic. @whisfilmfest #whistlerfilmfest #Icon pic.twitter.com/m73ljZ9RdU— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) December 13, 2016
Thicke played psychiatrist Jason Seaver on Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992, earning a Golden Globe nomination for the role in 1988.
"I heard that they were looking for an 'Alan Thicke type' for a new sitcom, and so I said, 'Well, hello!'," the actor told Studio 10 earlier this year about how he scored the role.
He began his career as host on various Canadian game shows, before earning his own popular daytime talkshow, The Alan Thicke Show. He was also a regular writer on comedy and variety shows including Normal Lear's parody talkshow Fernwood 2 Night and The Richard Pryor Show.
Thicke also had a successful career as a TV composer, creating the themes to hit US sitcoms including Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts Of Life.
In recent years the actor was a regular guest star on shows, including Married With Children, Murder She Wrote, How I Met Your Mother, Scream Queens and This Is Us.
He is survived by his wife of 11 years Tanya Callau, and three sons Carter Thicke, actor Brennan Thicke and Blurred Lines musician Robin Thicke.
Tributes from the star's showbiz friends – including Ellen DeGeneres and his recent Fuller House co-stars Bob Saget and Candace Cameron-Bure – quickly poured in as news of his sudden passing spread.
America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family.— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 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
I'm sad beyond words that Alan Thicke has passed away. I've known you since I was 8 years old… https://t.co/GLXSTK1nd7— Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) December 14, 2016
sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family.— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 14, 2016
Rest in peace Alan Thicke - You brought so much light, love and humor to the world! Deeply grateful for your friendship and wisdom.— Ed Helms (@edhelms) December 14, 2016
Condolences to the family of @Alan_Thicke. If ever there was a time celebs are thinking about our mortality, 2016 is it.— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) December 14, 2016
We're heartbroken about the laughter dying. But @Alan_Thicke might have picked that as the way he wanted to go - playing hockey with his son— Dan Le Batard Show (@LeBatardShow) December 14, 2016
Now Alan Thicke...Can we get a do-over on 2016? Too many good people lost and way too many bad people getting lucky...RIP Dr. Seaver— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) December 14, 2016
IM VERY SAD 2 ANNOUNCE THAT AN AMERICAN ICONIC ACTOR & FRIEND ALAN THICKE HAS PASSED AWAY MY CONDOLENCES 2 HIS FAMILY! A GR8 ACTOR, COMEDIAN— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) December 14, 2016
I just learned of my friend @Alan_Thicke passing. Our familys were together not that long ago...I owe you an email. Rest In Peace pal.— scott foley (@scottkfoley) December 14, 2016
RIP Alan Thicke. I grew up watching him and got to know him through Robin. He was always so kind to me. So sad to hear about his passing.— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 14, 2016
Rest in peace Alan Thicke - You brought so much light, love and humor to the world! Deeply grateful for your friendship and wisdom.— Ed Helms (@edhelms) December 14, 2016
I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan.— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) December 14, 2016
Rest well @Alan_Thicke. A great TV dad...you will be missed. #Ripalanthicke— Will Friedle (@willfriedle) 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
Alan Thicke was always the nicest and happiest person in the room. Gone way too soon. Rest In Peace.— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 14, 2016
- with Reuters
