Linda Lavin, Beloved 'Alice' Star, Passes Away at 87: A Tribute to Her Legendary Career
Linda Lavin, a celebrated actress known for her iconic role in the sitcom Alice and her Tony Award-winning performances on Broadway, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87. Her death came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, especially since she had been actively working just weeks before her passing. Lavin had been filming Hulu's upcoming series Mid-Century Modern and promoting her latest Netflix show, No Good Deed , when complications from recently diagnosed lung cancer took her life unexpectedly.
Lavin’s career spanned over seven decades, with remarkable contributions to both stage and screen. As a child stage actor, she began her Broadway journey in the 1960s, starring in the musical It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman and the plays Little Murders and Last of the Red Hot Lovers . These early performances helped establish her as a force in theater, earning her Drama Desk Awards and multiple Tony Award nominations.
Her television career took off when she starred as Alice Hyatt in the 1976 sitcom Alice , based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore . Lavin’s portrayal of a widowed mother working as a waitress in a diner brought her widespread recognition, earning her an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe awards. Alice became a beloved show, running for nine seasons and 202 episodes, solidifying Lavin as a household name.
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In the years that followed, Lavin continued to work in both theater and television, earning accolades for her work on Broadway in plays like Broadway Bound and The Lyons . Her dedication to her craft was evident, and she received multiple Tony nominations, winning her first in 1987 for Broadway Bound . Her theater career was matched by a steady stream of television and film roles, with notable appearances in Barney Miller , 9JKL , B Positive , and Elsbeth . This year alone, she appeared in No Good Deed on Netflix and continued her role in Mid-Century Modern .
Lavin was known for her warmth and generosity, both on and off the screen. She was beloved by co-stars, producers, and directors alike, with many praising her professionalism and kindness. Max Mutchnick, David Kohan, and James Burrows, the creators of Mid-Century Modern , shared heartfelt tributes, calling her a “magnificent actress” and “a beautiful soul” whose presence made their days better. Liz Feldman, creator of No Good Deed , also expressed her gratitude for having worked with Lavin, describing her as “gracious, totally hilarious, and pitch-perfect.”
Beyond her acting, Lavin was a talented singer and musician, with a career that included Broadway performances and appearances in film. Her film credits included Damn Yankees! , The Ring , The Intern , and Being the Ricardos . In recent weeks, she attended a holiday party for her final film project, One Big Happy Family , set to premiere at the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
Linda Lavin leaves behind a legacy that spans across generations, from her early days in theater to her unforgettable television roles. She is survived by her husband, Steve Bakunas, who was with her at the time of her passing. Lavin’s impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.
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