Legendary Actress Linda Lavin Passes Away at 87

Linda Lavin, the iconic stage and television actress best known for her Emmy-nominated role in Alice and Tony-winning performance in Broadway Bound, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87. The beloved star, who recently appeared in Netflix’s No Good Deed, died unexpectedly due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her PR representative confirmed.

A Legacy Spanning Seven Decades

Lavin’s illustrious career began in childhood as a stage actor. She debuted on Broadway in the 1960s, earning widespread acclaim for roles in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman and Last of the Red Hot Lovers, which brought her first Tony nomination in 1970.

Her breakout television role came in the CBS sitcom Alice (1976-1985), where she played the titular waitress and widowed mother, a performance that earned her multiple award nominations. Lavin remained a fixture in television, appearing in shows like Barney Miller, Sean Saves the World, 9JKL, and B Positive.

Recent Work and Final Appearances

Despite her advancing years, Lavin showed no signs of slowing down. In 2024, she recurred in Netflix’s No Good Deed and was filming Hulu’s upcoming comedy series Mid-Century Modern, where she co-starred alongside Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer. The series had filmed seven episodes of its 10-episode order before the holiday break.

Lavin attended the premiere of No Good Deed on December 4, marking her final public appearance.

Tributes from the Industry

Hollywood figures have expressed heartfelt tributes following Lavin’s passing:

• President Joe Biden described her as an “extraordinary talent and beloved cultural figure.”
• Creators of Mid-Century Modern, Max Mutchnick, David Kohan, and director James Burrows, honored her memory, stating, “She was a magnificent actress and a beautiful soul who made our days better.”
• No Good Deed creator Liz Feldman wrote on Instagram, “You were full of life, incredibly gracious, and totally hilarious. It was an honor to work with you.”

Awards and Accomplishments

Lavin earned six Tony nominations, winning Best Actress in a Play for Broadway Bound in 1987. Her other notable theater credits include The Lyons (2012), which earned her a Tony nod, and her acclaimed turns in numerous musicals and plays across five decades.

In film, Lavin appeared in Damn Yankees!, The Intern, The Ring, and Being the Ricardos.

Personal Life

Linda Lavin is survived by her husband of 19 years, Steve Bakunas, whom she described as the love of her life. The couple shared a deep bond, with Bakunas by her side at the time of her passing.

A Lasting Impact

Linda Lavin leaves behind a legacy of iconic performances and an enduring influence on television and theater. As fans and colleagues alike remember her talent and kindness, her contributions to the entertainment world will be cherished for generations.