Linda Lavin, a cherished stage performer and esteemed television star, passed away unexpectedly on December 29 at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed by multiple sources, revealing that she had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer but had continued working until just before the holiday season.
The granddaughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, Lavin began her artistic journey at a young age, making her stage debut at five and honing her skills at the HB Studio. She captured Broadway’s attention in the 1960s with notable performances in productions such as A Family Affair, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and The Enemy is Dead. Transitioning to musicals, she originated the role of Sydney in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, gaining acclaim for introducing the song “You’ve Got Possibilities.”
Lavin’s career took a significant turn in the mid-1970s when she became a household name through her television work. She first gained recognition with her role as Detective Janice Wentworth on the sitcom Barney Miller. However, her iconic performance as Alice Hyatt on the long-running series Alice, which aired from 1976 to 1985, solidified her status in Hollywood. The show, adapted from Martin Scorsese’s film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, earned Lavin two Golden Globe awards and an Emmy nomination.
In addition to her work on Alice, Lavin’s television resume includes appearances in productions like Room for Two and The Muppets Take Manhattan, where she made her feature film debut. Despite her successful television career, Lavin’s heart always remained with the stage, where she earned a Tony Award for her performance in Broadway Bound in 1986.
Lavin’s illustrious career continued as she starred in several acclaimed Broadway productions, including Gypsy, The Sisters Rosensweig, and the original run of The Diary of Anne Frank. Throughout her lifetime, she received numerous accolades for her contributions to theatre, including six Tony nominations and multiple wins at the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards.
In recent years, Lavin returned to television, taking roles in shows like 9JKL and Elsbeth. At the time of her passing, she was working on a new sitcom titled Mid-Century Modern, where she was set to play Nathan Lane’s mother in a project inspired by The Golden Girls.
Lavin is survived by her husband, Steve Bakunas, and her extended family, including stepchildren and grandchildren. Her legacy as a talented performer will undoubtedly endure, touching the hearts of fans who cherished her work on stage and screen.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Linda Lavin, whose remarkable talent and dedication to her craft left an indelible mark on both theatre and television. Her journey inspires future generations of artists to embrace their passions and strive for excellence.