‘Alice’ Star and Golden Globe Winner Linda Lavin’s Cause of Death Revealed

The beloved Golden Globe-winning actress from the popular sitcom “Alice,” Linda Lavin, sadly left us in December 2024. Her family and fans are deeply saddened by her passing. Recently, more information about the cause of this renowned actress’s death has come to light.

Linda Lavin, a celebrated actress famous for her Emmy-nominated role in “Alice” from 1976 and a Tony-winning performance in “Broadway Bound” in 1986, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 87.

Just before December 2024, her representative announced that she had unexpectedly passed away due to complications linked to recently diagnosed lung cancer. Despite her condition, Lavin had been actively involved in her work, promoting the Netflix series “No Good Deed” and filming the Hulu comedy “Mid-Century Modern,” where she played a prominent role.

A death certificate acquired by TMZ revealed that Lavin’s official cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest, primarily due to lung cancer.

Cardiopulmonary arrest, also known as cardiac arrest, occurs when the heart stops pumping blood due to electrical malfunctions, often leading to unconsciousness and, if not treated, can result in death within moments.

Medical professionals stress the importance of swift action, such as calling emergency services and performing CPR, during such incidents to boost survival chances.

In 2024, Lavin underwent a bronchoscopy, a procedure aimed at examining and diagnosing lung issues. After her passing, she was cremated at her Los Angeles home, where she lived with her husband, Steve Bakunas.

Linda Lavin grew up in Portland, Maine, in a musical family that inspired her early love for performing. Her mother, Lucille, was a professional opera singer who had performed with the legendary George Gershwin before stepping down to raise her family.

Lavin’s artistic passion was evident from an early age, debuting on stage at just five years old. She later attended The College of William and Mary, earning a theater degree that paved the way for her illustrious career.

After graduating, Lavin chased her dreams in New York City, initially performing in regional theater and various stock roles.

By the 1960s, she had established herself in New York’s musical theater with standout roles in “Oh, Kay!” (1960), “A Family Affair” (1962), and “It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman” (1966). Her performance of “You’ve Got Possibilities” in the latter was particularly praised.

Her acting met with critical acclaim for roles in plays like “Little Murders” (winning a Drama Desk Award) and “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” earning her a Tony nomination.

In television, Lavin left a significant mark. After a brief role on “Barney Miller” as Det. Janice Wentworth, she became a well-known face with “Alice,” a sitcom inspired by the film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”

Running from 1976 to 1985, the series chronicled the life of Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother working in a diner in Phoenix, Arizona, with dreams of becoming a singer. Lavin’s charming portrayal won over audiences, earning her two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy nomination.

The show’s relatability, depicting the struggles of the working class and Lavin’s performance of its theme song “There’s a New Girl in Town,” further solidified her place in viewers’ hearts.

Even years after “Alice” concluded, Lavin pondered its cultural significance. In a 2020 chat with CBS’s “Sunday Morning,” she mentioned how her role in the series shaped her passion for advocating wage equality and rights for single parents.

She once remarked, “I felt the most impactful way was to don my Alice uniform and appear as Alice to let people recognize her for who she was and her values.”

Her later years in the industry proved ever vibrant. Lavin was featured in popular shows such as “Mom” and continued to shine on stage, securing a Tony Award in 1987 for “Broadway Bound.”

In an interview with People shortly before her demise, Lavin shared insights on her recent projects and her enduring affection for acting. She found joy in her performance as Phyllis in Netflix’s “No Good Deed” and drew inspiration from her own life experiences for authenticity in her roles.

“Acting allows me to reach out through the characters,” she articulated, “I’m blessed with a fulfilling life, a wonderful husband right over there, and immense gratitude.”

Linda Lavin’s husband, Bakunas, was not just her life partner but also her creative collaborator. The duo met in 1999 and forged a strong bond despite Lavin’s initial belief she wasn’t adept at relationships. Together, they navigated life with unwavering commitment and built a love-filled union.

On her birthday in October 2024, Lavin shared a touching Instagram tribute, referring to Bakunas as her “life’s love,” highlighting the warmth and joy from their 19 years of marriage.

Outside her professional life, Lavin cherished a fulfilling personal life, notably spending time with her beloved dog Mickey and leveraging her influence to inspire others. As she emphasized in her “Sunday Morning” conversation, she consistently aimed to “show up” and bring her best, both in her performances and personal life.

Remembering Linda Lavin, it’s evident that the entertainment industry lost a pioneering actress whose versatility spanned television, theater, and film. Her signature role in “Alice” and her uncompromising dedication to her craft leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.