The beloved star of the hit sitcom Alice passed away in December 2024, leaving her family and fans deeply saddened. New information has now revealed the official cause of her death.
Linda Lavin, known for her Emmy-nominated role in the 1976 sitcom Alice and her Tony-winning performance in the 1986 play Broadway Bound, died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87.
At the time, her representative confirmed that Lavin passed away unexpectedly due to complications from recently diagnosed lung cancer. She had been actively working just weeks before her death, promoting her Netflix series No Good Deed and filming the Hulu comedy Mid-Century Modern, where she played a leading role.
However, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Lavin’s official cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest, with lung cancer listed as the underlying condition.
Cardiopulmonary arrest, also known as cardiac arrest, happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood due to an electrical problem. If untreated, it can lead to unconsciousness and death within minutes.
Medical experts emphasize that in such emergencies, quick action—like calling for help and performing CPR—can increase the chances of survival.
In 2024, Lavin underwent a bronchoscopy, a procedure used to examine and diagnose lung conditions. After her passing, she was cremated at her Los Angeles home, where she lived with her husband, Steve Bakunas.
Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin grew up in a family that encouraged her love for music and performance. Her mother, Lucille, was an opera singer who performed with George Gershwin before leaving the stage to raise her family.
Lavin showed an early passion for the arts, starting stage performances at just five years old. She later attended The College of William and Mary, earning a theater degree that paved the way for her successful career.
After college, she moved to New York City to follow her dream, beginning with regional theater and smaller roles.
By the 1960s, Lavin had gained recognition in the New York musical scene with standout performances in shows like Oh, Kay! (1960), A Family Affair (1962), and It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman (1966), where her song You’ve Got Possibilities became a fan favorite.
She also impressed critics with performances in plays like Little Murders, which earned her a Drama Desk Award, and Last of the Red Hot Lovers, which got her a Tony nomination.
Lavin’s transition to television was just as impactful. After briefly appearing on Barney Miller as Det. Janice Wentworth, she became a household name as the star of Alice.
The series, which aired from 1976 to 1985, was based on Martin Scorsese’s film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. It followed Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother and aspiring singer working at a diner in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lavin’s portrayal of the witty and strong Alice connected with audiences, earning her two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination.
The show was popular not only for its humor but also for its relatable take on working-class struggles. Lavin’s performance of the theme song, There’s a New Girl in Town, made her even more beloved by fans.
Even after Alice ended, Lavin continued to reflect on its cultural impact. In a 2020 interview with CBS Sunday Morning, she spoke about how the role inspired her to advocate for equal pay and single mothers’ rights.
“I realized 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 said.
In her later years, Lavin remained active in entertainment. She starred in popular TV shows like Mom and continued her celebrated stage career, winning a Tony Award in 1987 for Broadway Bound.
Speaking to People just three weeks before her death, Lavin shared her excitement about her latest role as Phyllis in Netflix’s No Good Deed. She said she loved acting and drew inspiration for her characters from her own life.
“As an actor, I like to expose myself through the character,” she explained. “I have a wonderful life, a wonderful husband who’s standing over there, and I’m really grateful.”
Lavin’s husband, Bakunas, was not only her life partner but also her creative collaborator. The couple met in 1999 when Lavin believed she wasn’t good at relationships. However, their strong commitment to each other led to a lasting marriage.
On her birthday in October 2024, Lavin shared a heartfelt Instagram post calling Bakunas the “love of her life,” celebrating their 19 years together.
When she wasn’t acting, Lavin enjoyed spending time with her dog, Mickey, and using her platform to inspire others. In her Sunday Morning interview, she said she always aimed to “show up” and give her best, both professionally and personally.
Linda Lavin’s passing marks the loss of a legendary actress whose talent spanned television, theater, and film. Best known for her groundbreaking role in Alice, she leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.