This year took another icon when Alan Thicke passed away from a fatal heart attack at the age of 69 on Tuesday.
The Canadian actor, who famously played Jason Seaver on the ’80s sitcom Growing Pains left an impression with his co-stars, who, after hearing the news are sharing their heartbreak with fans.
Ashley Johnson, who played Thicke’s on-screen daughter was the first to share her condolences, tweeting a quote from Washington Irving: “There is a sacredness in tears… they are the messengers of the overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love,” posted along with a photo of her and Alan. The post has since been deleted.
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Kirk Cameron shared his grief in a touching Instagram post:
“I’m shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death,” Cameron captioned the shot. “Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him.”
Leonardo DiCaprio shared a touching message to his Facebook page on Wednesday, saying “Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model… I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career.” Thicke had just reminisced about working with DiCaprio on “Growing Pains” when ET Canada caught up with him recently at the Whistler Film Festival. See DiCaprio’s statement below.
Tracey Gold couldn’t find the words, so she tweeted a photo of the late actor instead.
Jeremy Miller’s rep released a statement to ET Canada on his behalf, saying “Jeremy loves Alan deeply. He has lost a father and is heartbroken. He cannot speak with anyone right now. He is devastated as is everyone.”
Thicke starred on Growing Pains from 1985 – 1992, returning to the beloved character for the show’s two TV films in 2000 and 2004. He will always be remembered as Canada’s favourite TV dad.
Sangita Patel recently sat down with the actor on the set of his new YTV show The Stanley Dynamic where he shared his idea for a modern day reboot of Growing Pains.