2016 has really been a depressing year to say the least. Unfortunately that trend continued on Tuesday as beloved Canadian actor Alan Thicke, who was best known for the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains,” died Tuesday at the age of 69.
Thicke’s career spanned five decades — one in which he played various roles on and off screen, from actor to writer to composer to author. But he will be remembered most for his role on “Growing Pains,” the hit sitcom featuring his character of Jason Seaver. In the role, Thicke portrayed a corny and collected TV dad who offered wholesome life advice to his family during the 1980s. He was also the composer of several popular theme songs, including the original theme to “The Wheel of Fortune,” and shows such as “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes.”
For most of the younger generation, he is mostly known as the father of R&B superstar Robin Thicke, who he certainly passed on his musical intuition to.
“The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure,” said Robin Thicke, who credited his dad, with being an inspiration and very supportive of his music career. “I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him.”
He’s survived by his 3 sons — the aforementioned Robin, Brennan and Carter and his wife, Tanya.
Rest In Paradise, Alan.
