Canadian actor Alan Thicke, best known for his leading role in the 1980s family sitcom Growing Pains and as the father of R&B singer Robin Thicke, died on Tuesday at the age of 69.
A source close to the family told Reuters by telephone that Thicke suffered a heart attack and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, where he was pronounced dead.
Grammy award nominated-singer Robin Thicke told the Los Angeles Times newspaper that his father was playing hockey with another of his sons, 19-year-old Carter Thicke, when he suffered the heart attack.
"I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him," Thicke told the newspaper, adding that his father was an inspiration for his own musical career.
"The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure."
Alan Thicke was beloved by many fans for his role as psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver in ABC's Growing Pains, which ran from 1985 to 1992.
His work in the show earned him a nomination for a Golden Globe for the best performance by an actor in a television series in 1988.
Alan Thicke was also a popular host for television events, including the Emmy Awards, and a prolific composer of television theme songs, among which was the theme for Wheel of Fortune.
He appeared in an array of television shows, including The Outer Limits, Murder She Wrote, and Married with Children.
More recently, he was set to appear in Fuller House, a remake of the popular 1990s family sitcom produced by Netflix.
"Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I'm not in!" Thicke said in a tweet earlier on Tuesday.
Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I’m not in! #fullerhouse @fullhouseguy @bobsaget @candacecbure #netflix
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) December 13, 2016
Among those paying tribute was his former Growing Pains co-star Leonardo DiCaprio:
His passing has also been mourned on Twitter, with many taking to the social media site to share their sadness at the news, and their condolences with his family.
RIP Alan Thicke. I grew up watching him and got to know him through Robin. He was always so kind to me. So sad to hear about his passing.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 14, 2016
America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2016
Alan Thicke was always the nicest and happiest person in the room. Gone way too soon. Rest In Peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 14, 2016
Had the pleasure of meeting Alan Thicke and his amazing wife Tanya a few years back.. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP 😔
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 14, 2016
RIP #AlanThicke - #mrseaver was like a surrogate dad growing up. You will be greatly missed.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) December 14, 2016
Pleasure to have known you sir...#RIP #AlanThicke pic.twitter.com/paewzVnNxP
— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) December 14, 2016
Just heard of #AlanThicke's passing. 1st job in LA was as an intern for him... He was a very nice boss. Sending good thoughts to his family.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December 14, 2016
sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 14, 2016
