BURBANK, Calif. – Actor and television host Alan Thicke has died at 69, according to his son’s publicist.
Carleen Donovan, who is a publicist for Thicke’s son, singer Robin Thicke, said the actor died from a heart attack on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Alan Thicke’s publicist, Tracy Mapes, with Imperium 7 Talent Agency, told CNN, “Today the world lost an amazing talent.”
TMZ reported that Thicke suffered the heart attack Tuesday afternoon while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son. Thicke was rushed to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank, California, where he was pronounced dead.
Alan Thicke starred as Dr. Jason Seaver in the ABC series “Growing Pains,” which aired from 1985 until 1992. The Canadian-born actor had a prolific career, including cameos in recent years on the comedy “How I Met Your Mother” and the Netflix series “Fuller House.” He was also a frequent pitchman for ads on Sirius.
Robin Thicke broke his silence early Wednesday morning on the sudden death of his father.
“My Father passed away today,” Thicke wrote on Instagram. “He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had. Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you Alan Thicke. Thank you for the love. Love, your grateful son.”
Robin told the Los Angeles Times that his father had suffered a heart attack while playing hockey with his youngest son, Carter Thicke.
Carter took to Twitter late Tuesday night to post his own tribute to his father. “Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of its finest,” he wrote alongside a picture with his dad. “You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time.”
Thicke leaves behind his wife, Callau, and sons Brennan, Robin and Carter.
