Alan Thicke died at age 69 on Tuesday. (Getty)
Alan Thicke was fondly remembered as a role model by both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kirk Cameron, who starred on Growing Pains with the beloved actor. Thicke died on Tuesday after a sudden heart attack at age 69.
DiCaprio posted a long Facebook statement. Long before DiCaprio was an Oscar-winning actor, he played Luke Brower on the last season of Growing Pains in 1991 and 1992.
DiCaprio’s statement reads:
Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment industry to be a positive influence in so many lives – including mine. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career. He had tremendous class, a huge heart, and he taught me and so many others the valuable lessons about humility and gratitude. I’ve seen him a number of times over the years and when Alan Thicke walked in the room, quite frankly, no one was cooler. I miss him already – my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thicke family during this difficult time.
Carmeon, who played Mike Seaver during Growing Pains‘ entire run, wrote on Instagram that he was “truly heartbroken” by the news that his “TV dad” died
Cameron wrote:
I spent Monday through Friday for seven important years with Alan Thicke as my “TV dad.” I’m shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death. Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him. Chelsea and I send our love and prayers to his family tonight. We will cherish the memories… “sharing the laughter and love.”
Entertainment Tonight reports that Ashley Johnson, who played Chrissy Seaver, wrote a message on Twitter, but she later deleted it. “There is a sacredness in tears…They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love,” she wrote.
Tracey Gold offered a simple tribute to Thicke. “I just can’t find the words right now,” the actress wrote.
I just can’t find the words right now.
Thicke died on Tuesday around noon after playing hockey with his son Carter at an ice rink in Burbank, California. He played Dr. Jason Seaver on Growing Pains from 1985 to 1992 and in the two follow-up TV movies.