Growing Pains Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Kirk Cameron and More Pay Tribute to Alan Thicke

Cameron Kirk and Joanna Kerns shared uplifting words about their longtime co-star

By Samantha Schnurr Dec 14, 2016 5:13 PMTags

As long as they've got each other, they can get through Alan Thicke's untimely death together. 

After the Growing Pains patriarch's sudden passing Tuesday following a heart attack, members of his TV family have taken to social media to honor Thicke's memory and legacy. 

Though the 69-year-old starred on dozens of shows over the span of decades in Hollywood, there is no role he is more famous for than that of Dr. Jason Seaver on the seven-season ABC series. 

As his on-screen teenage son Kirk Cameron penned, co-stars, family and fans alike will cherish their memories of the star "sharing the laughter and love"—a line from the show's iconic theme song. 

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"I spent Monday through Friday for seven important years with Alan Thicke as my 'TV dad.' I'm shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death," Cameron wrote on Instagram. "Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him. Chelsea and I send our love and prayers to his family tonight. We will cherish the memories...'sharing the laughter and love.'"

Leonardo DiCaprio, who also starred on the show for a season as homeless teen Luke Bower, took to Facebook to address the loss.

"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," the Oscar winner wrote.

Watch: "E! News" Remembers the Late Alan Thicke in 1991

"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."

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Thicke's on-camera leading lady Joanna Kerns also remembered the actor fondly on Twitter. "I loved Alan- he was one of the smartest and funniest men I have ever known- we shared a life changing success and friendship," she tweeted. "Alan made me laugh everyday-usually at myself. Loved you dearly RIP old friend."

Tracey Gold said she was "honored to have been his daughter for seven beautiful years."

"I am in absolute shock and so unbelievably sad. In 1985 The Seavers became a family and Alan was our patriarch," she said in a statement to E! News. "I looked up to Alan admired him greatly. I always listened to his advice and wisdom. He was so kind and warm and always made me laugh. He was incredibly proud that our Growing Pains days were about family, all our families. He was truly an amazing father.  His sons were his world. Our Growing Pains Family is hurting today and that will not go away anytime soon. He was so full of life. I thought we had so much time. I'm not ready to say goodbye. I am so honored to have been his daughter for seven beautiful years. I love you Alan and will miss you forever."

As TMZ first reported, the actor was playing hockey with his real-life teenage son, Carter, when he suffered a heart attack and was brought to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead Tuesday afternoon. 

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

Robin later took to social media, referring to his father as "the best man" he ever knew. 

"My father passed away today. He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had," he wrote. "Let's all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you Alan Thicke. Thank you for your love. Love, your grateful son."