Actress Linda Lavin has died at the age of 87. Lavin’s representative announced that the Tony and Golden Globe Award winner had died unexpectedly Sunday due to complications from her recently diagnosed lung cancer.
Lavin was working at the time of her death, and had even promoted her role in the new Netflix limited comedy series No Good Deed on Instagram just days ago. Lavin attended the premiere of series at the streamer’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood as recently as Dec. 4.
Lavin was also currently filming the first season of the new Hulu comedy ‘Mid-Century Modern’ alongside Matt Bomer – from ‘Will & Grace’ creators/executive producers David Kohan and Max Mutchnick and director-producer James Burrows. Kohan, Mutchnick and Burrows said in a joint statement: “Working with Linda was one of the highlights of our careers. She was a magnificent actress, singer, musician and a heat seeking missile with a joke. But more significantly, she was a beautiful soul. Deep, joyful, generous and loving. She made our days better. The entire staff and crew will miss her beyond measure. We are better for having known her.”
Hulu and 20th Television also paid tribute to Lavin in a joint statement: “Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go to Linda Lavin’s family and loved ones. She was a legend in our industry, bringing her tremendous talent to audiences for over seven decades. She will be forever missed by her ‘Mid-Century Modern’ family, as we mourn this incredible loss together.”
Lavin won two Golden Globes for her performance in the popular sitcom Alice in 1979 and 1980, and earned a Tony Award for her work in 1987’s Broadway Bound. Other credits include Barney Miller, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Room for Two, Conrad Bloom, Sean Saves the World, Elsbeth, Being the Ricardos, Brockmire, Santa Clarita Diet, Madam Secretary, Mom, The Good Wife, Bones, The O.C., The Sopranos, Room 104, Girls Weekend, How to Be a Latin Lover and The Back-Up Plan.
Lavin was married to actor Ron Liebman from 1969-81, and actor Kip Niven from 1982-92. She is survived by her third husband, actor-drummer Steve Bakunas.
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