12/30/2024
We mourn the loss of Linda Lavin, the Tony Award-winning actress best known for her role as Alice Hyatt in the TV sitcom "Alice," who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87 due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer.
Lavin's illustrious career spanned several decades, with significant achievements in theater, film, and television. She won a Tony Award in 1987 for her performance in Neil Simon's "Broadway Bound" and was known for her roles in productions such as "The Diary of Anne Frank" and the recent Netflix series "No Good Deed."
Her portrayal of Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother and waitress, in "Alice," which aired from 1976 to 1985, made the series a hit and introduced phrases like "Kiss my grits" into popular culture.
Lavin's versatility and dedication to her craft earned her admiration and respect in the entertainment industry. She was also a prominent figure in the women's movement, inspired by her role in "Alice."
She is survived by her husband, Steve Bakunas, and remembered fondly by colleagues, friends, and fans who celebrate her life and contributions to entertainment.
