The Golden Globe-winning star of the successful comedy “Alice” died in December 2024, leaving her family and fans devastated. New information regarding the iconic actress’ cause of death has surfaced.
Linda Lavin, a famous actress best remembered for her Emmy-nominated appearance in the 1976 comedy “Alice” and her Tony-winning performance in the 1986 drama “Broadway Bound,” died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87.
Earlier, in December 2024, her representative reported that Lavin died abruptly as a result of complications from newly diagnosed lung cancer. Just weeks before her death, the actress was actively working, promoting her Netflix series “No Good Deed” and filming the Hulu comedy “Mid-Century Modern,” in which she played the lead.
According to a death certificate acquired by TMZ, Lavin’s official cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest, with lung cancer as the underlying reason.
Cardiopulmonary arrest, also known as cardiac arrest, happens when the heart stops pumping blood owing to an electrical malfunction, resulting in unconsciousness and, if ignored, death within minutes.
Medical professionals highlight the significance of taking quick action to boost survival chances, such as phoning for aid and administering CPR.
Lavin underwent a bronchoscopy in 2024, a procedure that evaluates and diagnoses lung diseases. Her Los Angeles home, where she resided with her husband, Steve Bakunas, cremated her after her death.
Lavin was born in Portland, Maine, and reared by a family who encouraged her passion for music and performing. Her mother, Lucille, was an opera singer who sang with George Gershwin before leaving to start a family.
Lavin demonstrated her interest in the arts from a young age, starting her stage acting career at the age of five. She eventually attended The College of William & Mary, where she earned a theatrical degree, which paved the way for her incredible career.
After graduation, Lavin pursued her goal in New York City, beginning with regional theater and stock parts.
In the 1960s, she established herself on the New York musical stage with notable performances in plays such as “Oh, Kay!” (1960), “A Family Affair” (1962), and “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane. It’s Superman” (1966), when her performance of “You’ve Got Possibilities” became a highlight.
Lavin has shown her flexibility with highly lauded performances in plays such as “Little Murders” (which garnered her a Drama Desk Award) and “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” for which she received a Tony nomination.
Lavin’s transfer to television was similarly significant. After appearing briefly on “Barney Miller” as Det. Janice Wentworth, she rose to prominence with the sitcom “Alice.”
The series, which ran from 1976 to 1985, was based on Martin Scorsese’s film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” and chronicled the lives of Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother and budding singer who worked at a cafe in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lavin’s depiction of the funny, resilient Alice captivated fans, garnering her two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination.
The show’s appeal was partly fueled by its empathetic depiction of working-class problems, and Lavin’s rendition of the theme song, “There’s a New Girl in Town,” endeared her to viewers.
Even decades after “Alice” finished, Lavin continued considering its cultural influence. In a 2020 interview with CBS’s “Sunday Morning,” she explained how the role influenced her campaign for equal pay and rights for single moms.
“I decided the best way to do it was to wear my Alice uniform and just show up as Alice because people knew who she was and what she stood for,” she told me.
In her final years, Lavin maintained a vibrant presence in the entertainment industry. She appeared in famous sitcoms such as “Mom” and maintained her successful theater career, receiving a Tony Award in 1987 for “Broadway Bound.”
Lavin spoke to People barely three weeks before her death, reflecting on her recent work and passion for acting. She characterized playing Phyllis in Netflix’s “No Good Deed” as a rewarding experience, emphasizing how she took inspiration for her roles from her own life.
“As an actor, I like to expose myself through the character,” she said. She continued: “I have a wonderful life, a wonderful husband who’s standing over there, and I’m really grateful.”
Bakunas, Lavin’s spouse, was her life companion and collaborator on several artistic ventures. The two met in 1999, when Lavin thought she wasn’t adept at relationships. However, the couple’s determination to overcome obstacles resulted in a strong relationship.
On her birthday in October 2024, Lavin characterized Bakunas as her “life’s love” in a poignant Instagram post, highlighting the warmth and joy they enjoyed over their 19-year marriage.
When he wasn’t working, Lavin led a fulfilling personal life. She spent time with her dog Mickey and continued to use her platform to encourage others. She expressed in her “Sunday Morning” interview that she consistently showed up and gave her utmost effort, not only on television but also in her personal life.
Linda Lavin’s death signals the end of a pioneering actress whose career spanned decades in television, stage, and cinema. She is most recognized for her iconic part in “Alice” and her unflinching devotion to her profession, leaving a legacy of revolutionary performances and an indelible mark on the entertainment world.