HOLLYWOOD—Alan Thicke, who portrayed the patriarch Jason Seaver on the popular ABC series “Growing Pains” died on Tuesday, December 13 at the age of 69. According to reports, Thicke was playing hockey with his 19 year-old son Carter, when he suffered a heart attack.
The actor was transported to a Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Los Angeles where he later died. Thicke appeared on the recent reality series “Unusually Thicke” on POP TV. Bob Saget tweeted, “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 Allen.”
Thicke who is originally from Canada, hosted his own talk show in Canada during the 1980s, titled “The Alan Thicke Show.” The actor also wrote theme songs for several popular TV shows including “Diff’rent Strokes,” “The Facts of Life,” and the game-show, “Wheel of Fortune.” His breakout success came in 1985 when he cast as Jason Seaver in the family TV show, “Growing Pains” alongside Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold and Jeremy Miller. The series lasted for a total of seven seasons, ending its run in 1992.
Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio who starred in the final season of “Growing Pains” as a homeless teen taken in by the Seaver family took to Facebook to share this thoughts on the passing of his co-star.
“Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment industry to be a positive influence in so many lives – including mine. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career. He had tremendous class, a huge heart, and he taught me and so many others the valuable lessons about humility and gratitude. I’ve seen him a number of times over the years and when Alan Thicke walked in the room, quite frankly, no one was cooler. I miss him already – my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thicke family during this difficult time.”
He also hosted the Canadian game show “First Impressions” in the 70s and the celebrity game show “Animal Crack-Ups” in the 80s.
Gloria Loring, Thicke’s first wife, released the following statement in response to his passing:
“Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke’s passing. It is a shock. We were all just together for Thanksgiving. He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest in Peace, dear one.”
He is survived by his wife Tanya and three sons Brennan, Carter and singer Robin Thicke who was once married to actress Paula Patton. He recently appeared on the TV shows “Scream Queens,” “Fuller House” and the pilot episode of the NBC drama “This is Us.”
