Linda Lavin, Renowned Actress and Singer, Passes Away at 87

December 30, 2024

Linda Lavin, the celebrated American actress and singer best known for her role as Alice Hyatt in the television series Alice, has passed away at the age of 87. She died on December 29, 2024, after a battle with lung cancer.

Early Life and Career

Born on October 15, 1937, in Portland, Maine, Lavin was the daughter of David Joseph Lavin, a businessman, and Lucille Potter, an opera singer. Her family was musically inclined, and she began performing on stage at the age of five. Lavin attended the College of William & Mary, where she was involved in numerous theater productions.

Broadway Beginnings

Lavin’s Broadway career commenced in the early 1960s, with notable performances in A Family Affair (1962) and The Riot Act (1963). She gained significant attention for her role in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman (1966) and received her first Tony Award nomination for Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1970).

Television Stardom

In 1973, Lavin transitioned to television, making appearances on series such as The Nurses, Rhoda, and Harry O. Her breakout role came in 1976 when she starred as Alice Hyatt in the sitcom Alice, which ran until 1985. The show was based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and Lavin’s portrayal earned her two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination.

Continued Success

After Alice, Lavin returned to Broadway, earning a Tony Award for her role in Broadway Bound (1987). She continued to perform in various productions, including Gypsy (1990), The Sisters Rosensweig (1993), and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (2000–2001). In recent years, Lavin appeared in television series such as 9JKL (2017–2018) and B Positive (2020–2022).

Personal Life and Legacy

Lavin was married three times and was a dedicated community member in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she and her third husband, artist/musician Steve Bakunas, were involved in various local initiatives. She founded The Linda Lavin Arts Foundation in 1997 to promote the performing and visual arts, with a special emphasis on arts in education.

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Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Linda Lavin’s legacy as a versatile actress and singer will continue to inspire future generations.

For more information on Linda Lavin’s life and career, please visit her Wikipedia page.