Alan Thicke, Beloved ‘Growing Pains’ Father, Dies At 69

Alan Thicke, known as the approachable dad on the 80s TV show Growing Pains, has died at age 69, his family confirms.

ALAN THICKE DIES AT 69

Thicke’s agent Tracy Mapes said in a statement, “Today the world lost an amazing talent.” She did not comment on the cause of death. Thicke’s ex-wife Gloria Loring confirmed his death via Facebook. “It is a shock,” she wrote. “We were all just together for Thanksgiving. He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one.”

Thicke’s career spanned five decades, in which he was an actor, writer and composer. His best known role was as Jason Seaver, the patriarch on Growing Pains. He was a sitcom dad who offered wholesome advice to his family in the 80s. The show really launched Thicke into stardom, as well as his on-screen son Kirk Cameron.

“Loved it. Proud of it. Proud of what it stood for. I share the corny family values espoused on that show,” Thicke said in a 2010 interview. “It was a great opportunity that made my life good and something that I can show to my 12-year-old now in reruns. Corny and dated as it is, it’s still relatable, understandable, and he can look at it and say, ‘Yeah, I get it. Now I see what you did before I was born.’ So if that’s what goes on my tombstone, I’m perfectly comfortable with it.”

Thicke also had recurring roles on How I Met Your Mother and the Netflix reboot Fuller House. Thicke, born in 1947 in Canada, started his career as a talk show writer, penning America 2-Night and The Richard Pryor Show. He also composed the theme songs for Wheel of Fortune, The Facts of Life, and Diff’rent Strokes.

Hockey was also a passion of Thicke’s and he spent a lot of time cheering on teams and celebrating the Canadian pastime.

Thicke is survived by his sons, Brennan, Carter, and Robin (singer of “Blurred Lines” fame), and his wife Tanya.