Beloved Sitcom Star Passes Away Fans and Celebrities Pay Heartfelt Tributes to TV Legend
Linda Lavin, the beloved sitcom star known for her iconic role in Alice, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death, confirmed by her PR representative to Deadline, was due to complications from a recent lung cancer diagnosis, reported by OK! Magazine. This tragic news comes just weeks after she walked the red carpet for her new Netflix series No Good Deed and while still filming for the upcoming Hulu show Mid-Century Modern, in which she was set to star.
Fans and close friends have expressed their sorrow over the loss of the actress, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to honor her memory. Actress Patricia Heaton shared: “I just heard the news that my dear friend Linda Lavin died. Totally unexpected, even at the age of 87. A true friend and a total force of nature.” Another fan tweeted: “RIP Linda Lavin (aka Alice), you were a hilarious part of my childhood watching you on your TV show Alice.” Many others shared their condolences, with one person commenting: “Sad news. Linda Lavin was a remarkable talent who left a lasting legacy in TV and theatre. #LindaLavin.”
Linda Lavin’s career spanned over five decades, with a notable presence on both stage and screen. A Broadway star since the 1960s, she began her career in musicals like It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman before receiving critical acclaim for her role in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, which earned her a Tony Award nomination in 1970. She won a Tony Award in 1987 for her performance in Broadway Bound.
Her versatility led her to both theater and television, where she became a household name. From 1975 to 1976, she appeared as a recurring character on Barney Miller before landing the role that would define her career — Alice Hyatt in the hit sitcom Alice. The show, based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, ran for nine seasons on CBS, cementing Linda as a cultural icon.
Linda’s legacy was further honored by Aaron Kaplan, executive producer of 9KJL, who recalled watching Alice as a child. “Over three decades later, I had the great privilege to work with Linda on JKL and she was just the most amazing partner—funny and talented and kind and generous,” he said. “Linda Lavin was—and will always be—Hollywood royalty.”
Linda Lavin’s passing marks the end of an era, but her unforgettable contributions to TV and theater will continue to inspire future generations.