Linda Lavin, Tony-winning actor who starred in landmark sitcom Alice, dead at 87
Linda Lavin, a beloved Tony Award-winning stage actor known for her iconic role as a working class waitress on the TV sitcom Alice, has passed away at the age of 87. Her representative, Bill Veloric, confirmed that Lavin died in Los Angeles on Sunday due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer.
Lavin’s career was marked by success both on Broadway and in Hollywood. After making a name for herself on the stage, she ventured into television in the mid-1970s and was cast as the lead in the CBS sitcom Alice, based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. As Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother working in a roadside diner in Phoenix, Lavin became a role model for working moms and charmed audiences with her portrayal of the character. The show, which ran from 1976 to 1985, was a hit and solidified Lavin’s status as a household name.
In addition to her television success, Lavin also had a thriving career on Broadway. She won a Tony Award for her performance in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound in 1987, and earned acclaim for her work in various plays and musicals throughout her career. Lavin’s versatility and talent were recognized by the industry, and she was honored with the Richard Seff Award by Actors Equity in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the theater.
Despite her age, Lavin continued to work in the entertainment industry up until her passing. She was actively involved in promoting a new Netflix series, No Good Deed, and was filming a forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern, at the time of her death. Lavin’s dedication to her craft and her passion for performing were evident in her work, and she left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors alike.
Throughout her career, Lavin’s talent and charisma shone on stage, on screen, and in music. She was a true star in every sense of the word, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. Linda Lavin will be remembered for her incredible talent, her generous spirit, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
