Celebs React to Alan Thicke’s Sudden Death at 69
Alan Thicke, best known for his role as Dr. Jason Seaver on Growing Pains, died suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 69. Celebrities and fans alike immediately took to social media to pay tribute to a veteran actor who was one of America’s favorite TV dads, as well as to express their condolences to Thicke’s family.
Thicke’s son Robin, 39, spoke to the Los Angeles Times shortly after his father’s death, calling him “the greatest man I ever met” and “always a gentleman.”
“The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure,” said Robin. “I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him.”
Gloria Loring — Thicke’s first wife and Robin’s mom — shared her thoughts on Facebook.
Thicke’s 19-year-old son Carter also posted a moving tribute to his dad on Instagram. Carter was playing hockey with his father when he suffered a heart attack. “Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it’s finest,” he wrote. “I have never known a more kind, loving, hairy, and generous person in my life and I am forever grateful for the light that this man brought to my life and so many others. You will be missed every second of every day. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time.”
A photo posted by Carter Thicke (@carter_thicke) on Dec 13, 2016 at 8:42pm PST
Meanwhile, his former daughter-in-law Paula Patton posted a quote from Mother Teresa.
A photo posted by Paula Patton (@paulapattonofficial) on Dec 13, 2016 at 5:39pm PST
Here’s what other stars had to say…
A photo posted by Kirk Cameron (@kirkcameronofficial) on Dec 13, 2016 at 9:56pm PST
America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2016
Saddened over the loss of my friend Alan. Condolences to his family.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 14, 2016
RIP Alan Thicke. I grew up watching him and got to know him through Robin. He was always so kind to me. So sad to hear about his passing.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 14, 2016
Rest in peace Alan Thicke – You brought so much light, love and humor to the world! Deeply grateful for your friendship and wisdom.
— Ed Helms (@edhelms) December 14, 2016
RIP to my brother Alan Thicke. The world has lost an icon. ???????? pic.twitter.com/zIK0hzjihK
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 14, 2016
Alan Thicke was always the nicest and happiest person in the room. Gone way too soon. Rest In Peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 14, 2016
This makes me sad. Such a nice man and genuine class act. RIP. https://t.co/TEm6sOgal3
— Josh Charles (@MrJoshCharles) December 14, 2016
A photo posted by Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) on Dec 13, 2016 at 6:28pm PST
sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 14, 2016
I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan. ????
— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) December 14, 2016
Pleasure to have known you sir…#RIP #AlanThicke pic.twitter.com/paewzVnNxP
— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) December 14, 2016
I'm shocked to hear about Allan Thicke. He was a good man who gave me some big breaks in my early days. I'll miss you buddy.
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) December 14, 2016
A photo posted by Lance Bass (@lancebass) on Dec 13, 2016 at 6:26pm PST
My heart goes out to the Thicke family. Really sad news. A lot of us grew up with Alan as practically part of our families. #ripalanthicke
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 14, 2016
So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) December 14, 2016
So so sad to hear about the passing of #AlanThicke. Such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Rest in love. ??
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) December 14, 2016
Alan Thicke [rip] – An unselfish, multi-talented, good guy, who taught me A LOT! Took a young Cleveland comic, to his first @LAKings game. pic.twitter.com/7oAQIrhqoQ
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) December 14, 2016
I loved #AlanThicke He was a great Canadian and friend. Funny and kind. My condolences to his family. #RIPAlanThicke
— Caroline Rhea (@CarolineRhea) December 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Thicke. A wonderful talent, a wonderful man. https://t.co/tb50aiVzlR
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 14, 2016
Had the pleasure of meeting Alan Thicke and his amazing wife Tanya a few years back.. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP ????
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 14, 2016
To my @WifeSwap partner…I'll miss you. RIP Alan Thicke
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) December 14, 2016
So tragic to hear the news of the passing of Alan Thicke. God Bless his family at this tough time.
— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) December 14, 2016
Now Alan Thicke…
Can we get a do-over on 2016? Too many good people lost and way too many bad people getting lucky…
RIP Dr. Seaver ????????
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) December 14, 2016
RIP Alan Thicke. Can't believe it. Honor to have known you and to been able to work with you.
— Patrick Shriver (@PSchwarzenegger) December 14, 2016
Sleep well #AlanThicke . ????
— Damon Wayans Yunior? (@wayansjr) December 14, 2016
First met @Alan_Thicke while working with his brother @realtoddthicke on @AFVofficial. Shocked to hear he's passed. Sending condolences ????
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) December 14, 2016
From the night @Alan_Thicke and I honored Vin Di Bona at a charity event. Alan was his usual smooth, funny self. He'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/jjpNZisAog
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) December 14, 2016
IM VERY SAD 2 ANNOUNCE THAT AN AMERICAN ICONIC ACTOR & FRIEND ALAN THICKE HAS PASSED AWAY MY CONDOLENCES 2 HIS FAMILY! A GR8 ACTOR, COMEDIAN
— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) December 14, 2016
& A HUMANATARIAN WHO ALWAYS WAS THERE 4 HIS COMMUNITY & A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL 4 ALL! WE WORKED 2GETHER ON #STEPMONSTER R.I.P. ALAN THICKE
— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) December 14, 2016
So sad to hear about the passing of AlanThicke.Was just with him at Chris Everts celeb tennis match-he was so vibrant. hard to believe.
— Carson Kressley (@CarsonKressley) December 14, 2016
Condolences to his family and friends https://t.co/GcbTEog7X5
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) December 14, 2016
