UPDATE: Robin Thicke shared some kind words about his late father, Alan Thicke, in an Instagram post. “My Father passed away today,” he wrote. “He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had. 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.”
Original story below
Robin Thicke paid tribute to his father, Alan Thicke, after the former Growing Pains star died suddenly in Los Angeles Tuesday, December 13.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, the Blurred Lines singer called his father “the greatest man I ever met,” and said the beloved actor was “always a gentleman.”
Robin confirmed earlier reports that Alan suffered a fatal heart attack while playing hockey with his teenage son Carter. One of the last things Alan said to his son was to compliment him on a good shot, Robin revealed. “I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him,” the 39-year-old added.
The former talk show host was rushed to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center after suffering a heart attack, and was later pronounced dead, reports TMZ. He was 69.
The showbiz vet began his career as a musician and producer before going on to have his own talk show host in his native Canada in the ’80s. He starred as Jason Seaver on Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992 and most recently appeared in the Netflix reboot Fuller House, as well as a cameo on This Is Us.
In addition to sons Robin and Carter, Alan is survived by his wife, Tanya, and eldest son Brennan, from his marriage to Gloria Loring. He was also previously married to Gina Tolleson.
Gloria, who is Robin and Brennan’s mother, spoke to Us about her “shock” at her ex-husband’s sudden death Tuesday. “Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke’s passing. It is a shock. We were all just together for Thanksgiving,” the singer and Days of Our Lives star tells Us. “He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one.”
