Actor Alan Thicke, best known for his role as Dr. Jason Seaver in the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains,” died yesterday at the age of 69 from a heart attack while playing hockey with his 19 year old son.
Thicke’s Dr. Jason Seaver was the ideal father and the “Growing Pains” sitcom returned Hollywood to a focus on the nuclear family and promoted traditional family values especially with Seaver as the father-knows-best patriarch.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Thicke lauded President Ronald Reagan, “Ronald Reagan is president and there’s no war, maybe that creates an environment for a show like ours.”
Aside from his starring role in “Growing Pains,” Thicke was also a talented composer creating anumber of popular theme songs such as the original theme to “The Wheel of Fortune,” as well as theme songs for “The Facts of Life” and “Different Strokes.”
He even made a run at Johnny Carson’s spot as the King of Late Night with “Thicke of the Night,” a syndicated talk-music-and-comedy show.
He was also nominated for three Emmy Awards for his work on Barry Manilow’s talk show in the 1970s and “America 2-Night.”
A number of Thicke’s family, friends, and co-stars mourned his passing.
His son, Robin Thicke took to Instragram.
“I spent Monday through Friday for seven important years with Alan Thicke as my ‘TV dad,’” Kirk Cameron said in a statement. “I’m shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death. Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him.”
“You were a part of my family and hockey family. You will be greatly missed. My heart hurts,” tweeted Bure, sister to Kirk Cameron.
@WhatsupDanny Alan made me laugh everyday-usually at myself. Loved you dearly RIP old friend.
— Joanna Kerns (@RealJoannaKerns) December 14, 2016
Sad news. One of my favorite TV dad's has passed…the great @Alan_Thicke at just 69 yrs! I grew up watching him always give good advice
— Natalie Morales (@NMoralesNBC) December 14, 2016
The NHL also expressed their condolences.
The NHL family is sad to learn of the passing of longtime hockey fan Alan Thicke. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5ADyWRksuf
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2016
Share if you will miss Alan Thicke’s joy and exuberance!
H/T: Fox News
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