Linda Lavin, the Tony-winning and Emmy-nominated actress known for her starring role in Alice, has died at the age of 87. According to Deadline, Lavin died due to complications stemming from lung cancer on Sunday, December 29.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Recently, Linda Lavin has been promoting her new Netflix series No Good Deed and Mid-Century Modern, a Huly comedy series. Max Mutchnick, David Kohan, and James Burrows, the show's creators and executive producers, addressed Lavin's passing, saying that working with her was "one of the highlights" of their careers.
"She was a magnificent actress, singer, musician, and a heat seeking missile with a joke," they said. "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. We are better for having known her"
Both Hulu and the 20th Television, the show's studio, issued a joint statement. "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go to Linda Lavin's family and loved ones," the statement reads. "She was a legend in our industry, bringing her tremendous talent to audiences for over seven decades. She will be forever missed by her Mid-Century Modern family, as we mourn this incredible loss together."
Mourning The Loss
Many of Lavin's fellow actors and actresses took to social media to extend their condolences and express their love for Linda Lavin. "I just heard the news that my dear friend Linda Lavin died," actress Patricia Heaton posted on X. "Totally unexpected, even at the age of 87. A true friend and a total force of nature."
Similarly, actor Joe Mantegna posted a photo with Lavin and addressed her passing. "One of the rarest gifts in life is to make a "new" old friend," Mantegna wrote. "Linda Lavin was that for me and my family. Rest in peace dear Linda."
Lavin's fans were also quick to express their heartbreak over her unexpected death. "I'm crying. I just watched the intern yesterday and she cracks me up in that movie. Oh my God," one user wrote. "I grew up on reruns of this show, I would run around and yell "Kiss My Grits", the show was funny, and she was great in the show," another user wrote. A third one said: "A true trailblazer who lit up every stage and screen she touched. Rest in power, queen."
Linda Lavin, born in Portland, Main, in 1937, began her career as a child actress during the '50s. She would then make several Broadway appearances and, in 1970, she received a Tony Award nomination for her role as Elaine in Last of the Red Hot Lovers.
After starting her Hollywood career, in 1976, she landed the leading role in the sitcom Alice, which lasted until 1985, earning her an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globes. She continued to star in TV series such as Room for Two, Law & Order, and The Sopranos, and movies such as The Ring, The Intern, and Manhattan Night. She won a Tony Award for her work in Broadway Bound in 1987.
