Linda Lavin, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as the title character in the 1976 TV sitcom Alice, has passed away at the age of 87.
Her death, confirmed on December 29, comes as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, especially given her recent work. Lavin was actively involved in the entertainment industry as recently as this month, promoting her Netflix series No Good Deed and filming the upcoming Hulu comedy Mid-Century Modern, where she had a leading role.
Lavin’s passing was attributed to complications from lung cancer, which was recently diagnosed, her PR representative confirmed.
A child stage performer, Lavin’s career took off in the 1960s on Broadway, where she starred in the musical It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman and the play Last of the Red Hot Lovers. Her performance in the latter earned her her first of six Tony Award nominations in 1970.
Over the next five decades, Lavin carved out a remarkable career in both television and theater. She became a household name with her role as Alice Hyatt, a widowed waitress in the long-running CBS sitcom Alice, based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The series ran for nine seasons, from 1976 to 1985, and cemented Lavin as one of television’s most beloved stars.
Lavin’s career never slowed down. She was a frequent presence in Hollywood, taking on memorable roles in TV series such as Barney Miller, Sean Saves the World, 9JKL, and B Positive. She also guest-starred on shows like Elsbeth and had a recurring role on No Good Deed, now streaming on Netflix. Her final TV project, Mid-Century Modern, co-starring Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer, was in the midst of filming its 10-episode season when she passed.
“Working with Linda was one of the highlights of our careers,” said Mid-Century Modern creators Max Mutchnick, David Kohan, and James Burrows. “She was a magnificent actress, singer, musician, and a heat-seeking missile with a joke. But more significantly, she was a beautiful soul. Deep, joyful, generous, and loving. She made our days better. The entire staff and crew will miss her beyond measure.”
In a statement, Hulu and 20th Television, the studio behind Mid-Century Modern, expressed their condolences, calling Lavin “a legend” in the entertainment industry.
Lavin’s contributions to Broadway were equally remarkable. She won a Tony Award in 1987 for her performance in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, and she received a nomination for her role in The Lyons in 2012. Her Broadway career was just as stellar as her television and film work, which included appearances in Damn Yankees!, The Ring, The Intern, and Being the Ricardos.
In her final public appearance, Lavin attended the premiere of No Good Deed on December 4, just weeks before her death.
“She was just the most amazing partner — funny, talented, kind, and generous,” said Aaron Kaplan, executive producer of 9JKL and Santa Clarita Diet, who worked with Lavin on 9JKL. “Linda Lavin was — and will always be — Hollywood royalty.”
Lavin is survived by her loving husband of 19 years, Steve Bakunas. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an unmatched dedication to her craft. She will be missed by all who knew her and the millions of fans who adored her.