Growing Pains Star Alan Thicke Dead at 69

Actor is survived by his three sons and his wife Tanya

By Mike Vulpo Dec 14, 2016 2:09 AMTags

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a TV icon.

Alan Thicke passed away Tuesday afternoon, the actor's rep confirmed to E! News. He was 69.

According to TMZ who first broke the news, the actor had a heart attack while he was playing hockey with one of his sons. He was transported to Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, Calif., around noon local time and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The actor is survived by his wife Tanya Thicke and his three children including Carter, Brennan and "Blurred Lines" singer Robin Thicke

Fans will remember the actor for his role as Dr. Jason Seaver in the long-running series Growing Pains. He also appeared in The Bold and the BeautifulHow I Met Your Mother and most recently Fuller House.

Just hours before the news broke, the actor expressed his excitement at the show's new season on Twitter. "Season 2 Fuller House looking good," a Twitter post read. "I even like the ones I'm not in! #fullerhouse @fullhouseguy @bobsaget @candacecbure #netflix." 

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The actor also recently attended the Whistler Film Festival in Canada where he accepted the Icon Award. The celebration occurred around Dec. 4.

"Alan was healthy and his heart attack was a complete shock," a source shared with E! News. "Robin is devastated and surrounded by loved ones." 

As soon as the news broke, past and present co-stars immediately began expressing their condolences online. "So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend," Fuller House co-star Bob Saget shared online. "He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan."

Away from the camera, Alan was also a successful composer whose work was featured in The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes and Hello.

He also wrote for TV comedies including The Paul Lynde Show, Fernwood 2 Night, America 2-Night and The Richard Pryor Show.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Thicke family during this difficult time.