
Linda Lavin, the acclaimed actress celebrated for her Tony Award-winning performances on Broadway and her iconic role as Alice Hyatt in the television series Alice, has passed away at the age of 87. CNN reported that she died on December 29, 2024, in Los Angeles due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer, according to her representatives.
Lavin’s theatrical career was marked by significant achievements, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her role in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound. She also received Tony nominations for her performances in The Sisters Rosensweig and Other Desert Cities. Her stage presence and versatility earned her a distinguished place in the theater community.
In 1976, Lavin transitioned to television, starring as Alice Hyatt in the sitcom Alice, which ran until 1985. Her portrayal of a widowed mother and waitress resonated with audiences, making her a role model for working mothers. The series was based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, directed by Martin Scorsese.
When asked for guidance by up-and-coming actresses, Lavin offered straightforward advice. “I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn’t morally reprehensible to me, I did it,” she shared in a 2011 interview reported by Y! Entertainment. This practical approach to her career highlighted her relentless work ethic and willingness to take on diverse roles, no matter the scale or type, as long as they aligned with her values.
Lavin remained active in the entertainment industry until just a few weeks ago. She recently attended the premiere of the Netflix series No Good Deed, where she played Phylis Adelman. The series, a dark comedy featuring Lisa Kudrow and Linda Cardellini, premiered on December 12, 2024. According to Deadline, she was also filming the upcoming Hulu comedy series Mid-Century Modern, in which she is one of the leads.
Lavin was married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage, to actor Ron Leibman, ended in 1981. She later married actor Kip Niven, a fellow Alice cast member, but their marriage dissolved in 1992. In 2005, she wed artist and musician Steve Bakunas, with whom she lived in Wilmington, North Carolina. The couple was deeply involved in their community, working to improve local neighborhoods through home renovations, parks, and the creation of a community theater. Lavin also played an active role as a stepmother to Bakunas’s children and cherished her relationship with her stepchildren and grandchildren.
Linda Lavin’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned stage, television, and film. Her contributions to the arts and her portrayal of strong, relatable characters have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She is survived by her husband, Steve Bakunas.