Linda Lavin, star of Alice, dies aged 87: what was the cause of death?

Linda Lavin, a Tony-winning actress and the beloved star of the hit CBS sitcom Alice, passed away on December 29 at the age of 87. Known for her roles on stage and screen, Lavin’s career spanned seven decades, captivating audiences with her talent, charisma, and ability to connect with everyday stories.

Her death was somewhat unexpected, leaving fans, colleagues, and loved ones in shock. Just weeks ago, Lavin attended the premiere of Netflix’s No Good Deed, and she had also been actively filming the Hulu comedy series Mid-Century Modern, where she was a lead.

What was Linda Lavin famous for?

Lavin’s journey began in Portland, Maine, where her early dreams of acting were nurtured by her mother, a soprano, and her father, a furniture business owner. After earning her theater arts degree from the College of William & Mary, she moved to New York in the late 1950s, diving into off-Broadway productions before earning her first speaking roles on Broadway under Hal Prince’s direction.

By the 1970s, Lavin’s presence was solidified both on Broadway and television. Her Tony-winning turn in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound and six career Tony nominations were highlights of her stage success. But it was her portrayal of Alice Hyatt – a plucky waitress and single mom in Alice – that made her a household name. The show, which aired from 1976 to 1985, tackled themes of resilience, economic hardship, and gender equality, resonating deeply with audiences.

Throughout her career, Lavin maintained a strong connection to her audience, often using her roles as a platform for social issues. Her work on Alice brought her into the women’s movement, and she became a vocal advocate for equal pay and women’s rights, delivering speeches wearing her character’s waitress uniform.

An enduring legacy of versatility and impact

From singing Broadway hits like “You’ve Got Possibilities” in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman to delivering heartfelt performances in films like Being the Ricardos and The Intern, Lavin’s range as an actress was impressive. Whether she was starring in gritty telefilms, directing episodes of Alice, or delighting audiences in recent TV series like Santa Clarita Diet, her impact on the industry was profound.

Off-stage, Lavin found love and artistic partnership with her third husband, Steve Bakunas, a drummer and artist. Married in 2005, they ran the Red Barn Studio Theater in Wilmington, North Carolina, and collaborated on cabaret performances, underscoring her lifelong dedication to her craft.

Linda Lavin’s cause of death revealed

Lavin’s death has been attributed to complications from recently discovered lung cancer. Her PR representative confirmed the diagnosis was sudden, leaving little time for intervention.

“She made our days better,” said the team behind Mid-Century Modern, encapsulating what many feel about Lavin’s enduring presence in the entertainment world.

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