Tony-winning ‘Alice’ star Linda Lavin dies at 87
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Linda Lavin, the Tony- and Golden Globe-winning actress and singer, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87 due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer. Lavin, known for her remarkable contributions to both stage and screen, left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances that spanned several decades.
Born into a musical family, Lavin’s career began at a young age. She was introduced to the stage when she was just five years old, and her passion for performing was evident throughout her life. Lavin attended the College of William & Mary, where her alma mater recognized her early talent. Her professional career took off in New York City, where she became a prominent figure in Broadway plays and musicals in the 1960s. One of her early notable performances was in the 1966 musical It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman, where her performance earned praise from critics. Stanley Kauffmann of The New York Times called her performance “fresh” and wished she would appear in every musical and revue, noting her distinctive presence and talent.
However, it was her role in the beloved CBS sitcom Alice that made Lavin a household name. The show, which aired from 1976 to 1985, was about a widowed mother pursuing her dream of becoming a singer while working as a waitress at a diner. Lavin played the titular character, Alice, with warmth, charm, and relatability, making her a fan favorite. Over the nine-season run, she received numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards, a third nomination, and an Emmy nomination. Her portrayal of Alice became iconic, cementing Lavin’s place in television history.
Despite her television success, Lavin’s career didn’t stop there. She was a versatile actress who continued to shine in theater, film, and television throughout her life. In 1986, she won a Tony Award for her lead role in Broadway Bound, a play by Neil Simon. She also received several Tony nominations for her performances in other productions, demonstrating her remarkable range and dedication to her craft. Lavin’s stage career remained strong, and she balanced her work with projects in film, television, and even voice acting. She was a respected veteran of the entertainment industry, known for her professionalism, talent, and mentorship of younger actors.
In addition to acting, Lavin had a hand in directing, producing, and teaching. She shared her expertise with the next generation by teaching master classes at her alma mater, William & Mary, where she inspired countless students. Her influence on the industry and younger performers continued long after her rise to fame. Lavin’s energy and drive never seemed to slow down, even in her later years. She maintained a busy career, and her most recent performance was in the Netflix series No Good Deed, which debuted earlier this month. The show followed three families fighting over the same house, and Lavin’s involvement was a testament to her continued passion for acting.
Just days before her death, Lavin was preparing for a new project. She was scheduled to star in Mid-Century Modern, a play in California, in January 2024. Her passing has left a void in the entertainment world, and tributes have poured in from across Hollywood and Broadway. One heartfelt tribute came from actress Patricia Heaton, who worked with Lavin on the short-lived ABC sitcom Room for Two in the early 1990s. Heaton shared a video on social media, reminiscing about the profound impact Lavin had on her life and career. “She was such a legend,” Heaton said. “She was my mentor, my guardian angel. She really looked out for me, taught me a lot, not just about acting but about life.” Heaton recalled having dinner with Lavin a few months before her death, noting that the actress remained sharp, funny, and energetic until the end. “I’m going to miss her,” Heaton said, reflecting on their friendship and the significant influence Lavin had on her life.
Linda Lavin’s death marks the end of an era for many who admired her work, but her legacy lives on through the characters she portrayed, the lives she touched, and the immense contributions she made to the entertainment industry. Whether through her memorable role as Alice, her Tony-winning performances, or her dedication to nurturing young talent, Lavin’s influence will be felt for generations to come.
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