Linda Lavin John Lamparski/Getty Images
Linda Lavin, the Tony Award-winning actress and star of the hit CBS sitcom Alice, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. Her representative confirmed that Lavin died unexpectedly in Los Angeles due to complications from recently diagnosed lung cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lavin's career was a testament to her incredible range and talent. She made her Broadway debut in 1962 when legendary producer Hal Prince recognized her potential, plucking her from the chorus to give her a speaking role. This opportunity was the first of many milestones, including six Tony nominations and a win in 1987 for her portrayal of Kate, the determined matriarch in Neil Simon's Broadway Bound.
Born on October 15, 1937, in Portland, Maine, Lavin grew up with a passion for performance. Her mother, Lucille, was a soprano and radio personality, while her father, David, ran a furniture business. After graduating from the College of William & Mary with a degree in theater arts, Lavin moved to New York City in 1959, where she quickly began making her mark on the stage.
In 1976, Lavin became a household name as Alice Hyatt, the quick-witted and resilient single mother at the heart of Alice. The sitcom, inspired by the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, followed Alice as she worked as a waitress at Mel’s Diner in Phoenix, striving to provide for her son. Lavin’s performance struck a chord with viewers, especially working women, who saw themselves in her character’s struggles and triumphs.
The actress embraced her role’s significance, using it to advocate for women’s rights. In a 2012 interview, she reflected on how the show aligned her with the women’s movement, saying, “I knew it behooved me to learn about single mothers and working women.” Lavin worked with Gloria Steinem and other activists, marching for the Equal Rights Amendment and addressing issues of gender wage disparity.
Her portrayal of Alice earned Lavin an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globes, with the series enjoying six seasons in the top 10 ratings. Lavin also directed episodes and performed the show’s theme song, “There’s a New Girl in Town.”
Beyond Alice, Lavin’s career was filled with acclaimed roles on stage and screen. Her Broadway triumphs included The Diary of Anne Frank, Collected Stories, and The Lyons, earning her additional Tony nominations. On television, she starred in shows like Room for Two and Sean Saves the World and appeared in popular series like Santa Clarita Diet and B Positive.
Lavin also enjoyed success in film, with credits including The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), The Intern (2015), and Being the Ricardos (2021), where she portrayed an older version of I Love Lucy writer Madelyn Pugh.
Her personal life was equally eventful. Lavin married three times, with her third husband, drummer and artist Steve Bakunas, standing by her side since 2005. The couple collaborated on artistic projects, including running the Red Barn Studio Theater in North Carolina.
“Linda was a remarkable artist and a beautiful soul,” said the creators of Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern, where Lavin had been working at the time of her passing. “She brought depth, joy, and generosity to everything she did, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met.”
Linda Lavin’s legacy as a trailblazer, performer, and advocate will continue to inspire generations to come.
