Canadian actor Alan Thicke, best known for playing a father's character in the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, died of heart attack at the age of 69. He was the father of Grammy award nominated singer Robin Thicke.
The actor was playing hockey with one of his sons, 19-year-old Carter Thicke, when he suffered a heart attack, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Alongside playing an actor, Thicke was a songwriter, composer, and the host of a successful Canadian talk show. After hosting the talk show, he hosted another short-lived U.S. syndicated late-night talk show, Thicke of the Night. The actor also composed the theme songs of various popular sitcoms such as Hello, Larry; Diff'rent Strokes; and The Facts of Life.
Thicke played the head of Seaver family, Jason Seaver, a psychiatrist. ABC's sitcom Growing Pains aired for seven seasons; from September 1985 to April 1992. In the last season, Leonardo DiCaprio appeared as a homeless teen who moves in with the family. His recent appearance was on the Netflix sequel Fuller House as a guest star.
Alan Thicke's first wife, Day of Our Lives star Gloria Loring, wrote on Twitter: "Dear Friends, Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke's passing. It is a shock. We were all just..."
Hollywood celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief over the actor's death.
Alan Thicke's legacy will live on through his countless contributions to the arts, Canada mourns one of its own.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) December 14, 2016
My heart is heavy. So deeply saddened by the loss of a loving father, talented actor and incredible friend... pic.twitter.com/EcD58Ztwfx
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) 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
Had the pleasure of meeting Alan Thicke and his amazing wife Tanya a few years back.. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP ?
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) 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
R.I.P Alan Thicke. U were way way too young. Loved watching you growing up. Rest In Peace ?
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) 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
The NHL family is sad to learn of the passing of longtime hockey fan Alan Thicke. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5ADyWRksuf
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2016
There are no words for how sad this is. What an honor to have been able to work with him. Rest In Peace, Alan. ❤️? https://t.co/gVaDcpLRqO
— Andrea Barber (@andreabarber) December 14, 2016
RIP Alan Thicke. We skated side by side for years. Say hello to Gordie and The Rocket for me. Our Canadian Mounties sketch @jimmykimmel pic.twitter.com/YE5SiFRtsf
— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) December 14, 2016
