News obituaries

R.I.P. Alan Thicke, star of 'Growing Pains'

The accomplished actor and theme song composer passed away last night at 69.

December 14, 2016, 9:46AM By MeTV Staff

Everett Collection

Alan Thicke, best known for his role of Jason Seaver on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, passed away Tuesday night at the age of 69.

Thicke started off his television career working behind the scenes for the Canadian Broadcasting Company in the late 1960s. In 1970, he made the move to Los Angeles, marrying Days of Our Lives star Gloria Loring that same year.

Throughout the 1970s, Thicke continued to work off-camera, producing shows like Fernwood 2 Night and variety specials for Flip Wilson, Olivia Newton John, Barry Manilow and Richard Pryor. In the early 1980s, Thicke hosted his own late night talk show Thicke of the Night, which was critically panned and lasted one season.

Thicke also stayed active in the Canadian television industry, guest hosting The Alan Hamel Show and hosting his own eponymous talk show in the early 1980s.

Thicke had a few acting roles in the 1970s and early 1980s, but earned his big break in 1985 as Dr. Seaver on Growing Pains. For seven seasons, Thicke portrayed the work-from-home psychiatrist raising his three (eventually four) kids. During the Reagan era, the role became an idealistic example of good parenting.

After the show wrapped in 1992, Thicke continued to make guest appearances on television.

Along with his successful acting career, Thicke also composed several theme songs for popular shows. His credits include the theme songs for sitcoms like Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life and game shows such as Celebrity Sweepstakes and Wheel of Fortune.

Up until the end, Thicke remained active, with recent appearances on This Is Us and Fuller House.

Thicke's son, singer Robin Thicke, confirmed his father's death to the Los Angeles Times, saying he passed away Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack while playing ice hockey.

Thicke is survived by his wife Callau and three sons, Robin, Brennan and Carter.

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