Tony Award-winning actress and singer Linda Lavin, best known for her role in the TV sitcom “Alice,” has passed away at the age of 87, her representative confirmed. Lavin died on Sunday due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer, as stated by her representative Michael Gagliardo in a statement to USA TODAY on Monday. She is survived by her partner Steve Bakunas, whom Gagliardo described as “the love of her life.”
The acclaimed actress rose to fame for her portrayal of Alice Hyatt in the popular sitcom “Alice,” which aired from 1976 to 1985. The show depicted the story of a working mother and aspiring singer navigating life as she raises her son and works at a diner.
Lavin’s passion for performing had an early start, as she began her career at the age of 5, according to IMDb. By the early 1960s, she was actively seeking opportunities in New Jersey, and by 1969, after appearing in numerous musicals and shows, she received a Tony nomination.
In her most recent work, Lavin made appearances in three episodes of “No Good Deed,” which premiered on Netflix on December 12. The series featured a star-studded cast including Linda Cardellini, Lisa Kudrow, O-T Fagbenle, and Abbi Jacobson.
Following the conclusion of “Alice,” Lavin returned to the stage, earning a Tony award in 1987 for her role in “Broadway Bound.” Subsequent Tony nominations came in 1998 for “The Diary of Anne Frank,” in 2000 for “Tales of the Allergist’s Wife,” and again in 2010 for her performance in the revival of “Collected Stories.” Notably, she had previously appeared in the PBS-TV version of the latter play.
Lavin’s contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond television, with notable roles in various productions including:
– “Alice” – TV show, aired from 1976 to 1985
– “I Want to Go Home” – Movie, premiered in 1989
– “The Back-up Plan” – Movie, premiered in 2010
– “The Good Wife” – TV show, aired from 2014 to 2015
