Alan Thicke died Tuesday at the age of 69 after he reportedly had a heart attack while playing hockey with his son.
Thicke, best known for his role as the patriarch on the sitcom Growing Pains along with his onscreen son Kirk Cameron, and most recently appeared on Netflix’s Fuller House, also hosted a successful daytime talk show in Canada and launched the syndicated Thicke of the Night in 1983.
Brad Schwartz, president of Pop TV, the home of his unscripted show Unusually Thicke, told THR: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. He was a part of our Pop family and was a tremendous talent. He was also for all who knew him, an amazing father and a true gentleman. We had the privilege to work with America’s Favorite Dad and his loss is one that is deeply felt.”
Thicke’s son Robin called his dad, “the greatest man I ever met,” in a conversation with the L.A. Times, adding that the elder Thicke was “always a gentleman.” Robin Thicke added that one of the last things said by his father, who died while playing hockey with his son Carter, was a compliment to Carter on a nice shot.
“The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure,” Robin Thicke added. “I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him.” The younger Thicke also posted a version of that statement to his Instagram account.
Alan Thicke’s TV son on Growing Pains, Cameron, posted a statement to his Instagram and Facebook accounts, reading in part: “I spent Monday through Friday for seven important years with Alan Thicke as my ‘TV dad’ … I am so blessed to have grown up with him. [My wife] Chelsea and I send our love and prayers to his family tonight. We will cherish the memories … ‘sharing the laughter and love.'”
TV legend Norman Lear remembered his friend and colleague: “Alan and I had a part to play in one another’s lives. It was the happiest of relationships. We worked together on Fernwood 2Night. And while I was the producer, he was as much, or more, the show’s heart and soul as I might have been. Alan had as fine an understanding of the ridiculousness of the human condition as anybody. And that’s what the show was about – they were a pair of media fools. Who knew we would go on to have generations of them?”
Leonardo DiCaprio, who appeared on the final season of Growing Pains, also posted a tribute to Alan Thicke on his Facebook page. DiCaprio wrote, “Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment industry to be a positive influence in so many lives — including mine. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career. He had tremendous class, a huge heart, and he taught me and so many others the valuable lessons about humility and gratitude. I’ve seen him a number of times over the years and when Alan Thicke walked in the room, quite frankly, no one was cooler. I miss him already — my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thicke family during this difficult time.”
ABC’s 1980s-set comedy The Goldbergs paid tribute to the late actor on Wednesday’s episode, with a brief slate before the episode began.
Fellow Growing Pains co-star Tracey Gold also remembered Alan Thicke on Twitter.
After hearing the news on Tuesday, several friends and colleagues paid tribute online.
— Paula Patton (@PaulaPattonXO) 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
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
RIP Alan Thicke who was a great talent and a genuine person. #everyonesdad
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) December 14, 2016
I am saddened at the news of #GrowingPains Alan Thicke’s passing. My daughter and I just saw him! RIP dear friend and gentleman. pic.twitter.com/kQQBuuhFmD
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 14, 2016
#RIP AlanThicke https://t.co/kZsYzRi5yV
— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) December 14, 2016
Sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Thicke, he was always cool and generous with his advice towards me…my condolences to the family
— mark mcgrath (@mark_mcgrath) December 14, 2016
Condolences to my dude @robinthicke & the entire Thicke family for their loss. #RIP to the late great #AlanThicke
— Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) 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
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
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
Saddened over the loss of my friend Alan. Condolences to his family.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 14, 2016
America loved Alan Thicke. I’m so sad he’s gone. Sending so much love to his family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 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
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.p>
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) December 14, 2016
I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan.
— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) December 14, 2016
Rest well @Alan_Thicke. A great TV dad…you will be missed. #Ripalanthicke
— Will Friedle (@willfriedle) December 14, 2016
I’m sad beyond words that Alan Thicke has passed away. I’ve known you since I was 8 years old… https://t.co/GLXSTK1nd7
— Candace Cameron Bure (@candacecbure) December 14, 2016
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
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
RIP Alan Thicke. We skated side by side for years. Say hello to Gordie and The Rocket for me. Our Canadian Mounties sketch @jimmykimmel pic.twitter.com/YE5SiFRtsf
— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) December 14, 2016
Just heard the news about @Alan_Thicke so very sad! He will surely be missed! One of the greats! #ripalanthicke
— Beverley Mitchell (@beverleymitchel) December 14, 2016
.@Alan_Thicke was always so gracious & kind to me. A very very cool guy. Rest In Peace my friend. God bless this great Canadian!
— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) 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
I am incredibly sad to hear about the passing of my friend @Alan_Thicke He was always helping others. Thoughts & prayers to Tanya and family
— Dennis Haskins (@mrbelding) 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
Alan Thicke LOVED hockey! He also was a man with a huge heart. He was on the ice when his heart attacked him. RIP Alan…
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) 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
RIP to the man who wrote #thefactsoflife theme song, my co-host of the radio show TalkZone & a true gentleman of our business #AlanThicke
— Mindy Cohn (@MindyCohn) December 14, 2016
There are no words for how sad this is. What an honor to have been able to work with him. Rest In Peace, Alan. https://t.co/gVaDcpLRqO
— Andrea Barber (@andreabarber) December 14, 2016
Just heard of #AlanThicke‘s passing. 1st job in LA was as an intern for him… He was a very nice boss. Sending good thoughts to his family.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) December 14, 2016
Decades ago I played hockey with #AlanThicke and he told me something I never forgot: “Ever hear of passing the fucking puck, asshole?” RIP
— Denis Leary (@denisleary) December 14, 2016
Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment…
Posted by Leonardo DiCaprio on Wednesday, December 14, 2016
I just can’t find the words right now. pic.twitter.com/vM28SLy9Rb
— Tracey Gold (@TheTraceyGold) December 14, 2016
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbvLpbCwp5%2BZv6a8zqurnqpemLyue82erqxnl5q7pr7ApWSnnaeofKK4wKdkraCZmLimecOemJ1lmKS5rcXWqKadZaCWxrR506ugm62kmnp6gZVpZ2pn