Hollywood mourns the loss of Alan Thicke today (December 14). The actor who played one of the most beloved sitcom dads died on Tuesday (December 13) at the age of 69.
“Today the world lost an amazing talent,” said Tracy Mapes with Imperium 7 Talent Agency, Thicke’s agent. Official details of his passing have not been released.
Thicke’s ex-wife, Gloria Loring, confirmed confirmed the news with a statement on Facebook, which read:
“It is a shock. We were all just together for Thanksgiving. He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one.”
The dynamic talent’s career included roles on and off the screen and spanned over 50 years. Many remember Thicke for his memorable role as Jason Seaver on the hit sitcom Growing Pains. The show aired during the 80s and everyone loved his character’s advice and corny attitude. He starred in the series with Kirk Cameron, who played the role of his son.
Alan Thicke’s Charity Work
In addition to his successful career in Hollywood, Thicke was involved with multiple nonprofit organizations including the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Make-a-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, and Love Our Children USA.
Thicke also started his own organization after his son Brennan was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
Her started the in the early 2000s after joining related organizations with a goal to find a cure for the disease.
“The Alan Thicke Centre For Juvenile Diabetes Research has been up and running for over a decade now at the University of Western Ontario, which is where they discovered insulin — so it’s significant and that’s my alma mater. So I do some fundraising every year for that and then you hope there will be a cure, but I think as with most diseases it’s a long, painful, arduous wait for a real tangible solution,” he said in an interview in 2013.
Celebrities React to Alan Thicke’s Death
He made his mark on many, including his celebrity pals. Along his role on Growing Pains, he also appeared on Full House, The Facts of Life, and Diff’rent Strokes where he made many good friends.
Here are some of their reactions:
John Stamos
Bob Saget
So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) December 14, 2016
Candace Cameron Bure
Lori Loughlin
I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan. 😢
— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) December 14, 2016
Dave Coulier
RIP Alan Thicke. We skated side by side for years. Say hello to Gordie and The Rocket for me. Our Canadian Mounties sketch @jimmykimmel pic.twitter.com/YE5SiFRtsf
— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) December 14, 2016
Mario Lopez
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