Linda Lavin, ‘Alice’ star and Tony-winning actress, dies at 87 after decades in TV and theater

Linda Lavin, beloved for her role in CBS’s ‘Alice’ and Tony-winning performances, dies at 87 from lung cancer.

Linda Lavin, celebrated for her role in CBS’s hit sitcom Alice and her Tony-winning performance in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, has passed away at 87. Her representative confirmed she died unexpectedly on Sunday from complications related to recently diagnosed lung cancer. Lavin remained active in her career, attending the Dec. 4 premiere of Netflix’s No Good Deed and preparing for her role in Hulu’s upcoming comedy Mid-Century Modern.

Hulu and 20th Television, as well as her collaborators, paid tribute to Lavin, describing her as a “magnificent actress” and a “beautiful soul.” Matt Bomer, her co-star in Mid-Century Modern, remarked, “Working with Linda was a privilege. Her warmth and talent were unmatched, and her legacy will inspire countless others.” Known for her charismatic performances, Lavin gained fame as Alice Hyatt, a widow navigating life in the CBS sitcom Alice, which aired from 1976 to 1985. The show, adapted from Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, earned Lavin multiple Golden Globes and an Emmy nomination.

Lavin’s career spanned over seven decades, balancing television, film, and theater. She was Tony-nominated six times, winning for Broadway Bound in 1987. Lavin’s Broadway credits include Gypsy, Collected Stories, and The Lyons, showcasing her talent in both drama and comedy. On-screen, she made memorable appearances in The Sopranos, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and The Good Wife.

Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin discovered her love for acting at an early age. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, she made her Broadway debut in 1962 and appeared in numerous productions throughout her career. Later in life, she collaborated with her husband, Steve Bakunas, to create the Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, N.C.

Lavin leaves behind a legacy as a versatile and beloved performer. Her work inspired audiences and aspiring actors alike, with her collaborators calling her “an irreplaceable force in the arts.” She is survived by her husband, Bakunas.