CBC News Posted: Dec 13, 2016 9:16 PM ET
.
.Alan Thicke, the Canadian-born actor best known for playing the dad on the ’80s sitcom Growing Pains, has died. He reportedly suffered a heart attack while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son Carter today.
Thicke, who was born in Kirkland Lake, Ont., went on to be an actor, talk show host and a songwriter who penned the theme songs for famous shows including Diff’rent Strokes and Wheel of Fortune.
Most recently, he starred in the film I Don’t Care and It’s Not My Fault Anyway, which premiered Dec. 2 at the Whistler Film Festival in B.C.
He leaves behind his wife, Tanya, and sons Brennan, Carter and pop star Robin.
He was 69.
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A great supporter of talent especially Canadian. He helped launch the careers on many people and will be sorely missed.
RIP Alan and condolences to your family.
Tom Power just interviewed Alan last week on Q and spoke to Tom Green about his impact on show business and, especially, new-to-town Canadian entertainers like Green in his day. The Q interview has been reposted on the show’s website.
Until today, I had never known Alan wrote Sara, a remarkable single released many years ago by ex-Chicago member Bill Champlin. I’m sure the royalties on that song paled to those earned by Alan for his tv-themes.
There was nothing edgy about Alan. He was just a consummate pro with a self-deprecating wit and a hustling attitude to stay in the game. Thank you, sir, for the memories. God speed.
He was a brief acquaintance of mine as a child in Ottawa, My Mom taught him through several lower grades, and thought highly of him. His Dad was the Base Doc and a great guy.