Linda Lavin

Biography

Linda Lavin (October 15, 1937 – December 29, 2024) was a celebrated American actress and singer, best known for her iconic role as Alice Hyatt in the beloved sitcom "Alice," which aired from 1976 to 1985. Lavin's career began in her childhood, but she gained prominence in the late 1950s as part of the Compass Players. By the 1960s, she was making waves on Broadway, capturing attention in productions like "It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman" in 1966 and receiving her first Tony Award nomination for Neil Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" in 1970.

In 1973, Lavin transitioned to television, making notable appearances in the sitcom "Barney Miller" before her breakthrough in "Alice." Her versatility shone through as she took on various roles in telefilms and feature films throughout her career.

Returning to Broadway in 1987, Lavin starred in "Broadway Bound," which earned her a Tony Award. She continued to dazzle audiences with performances in "Gypsy" (1990), "The Sisters Rosensweig" (1993), and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife" (2000–2001). Lavin's remarkable talent earned her a fifth Tony nomination in 2010 for "Collected Stories." In addition, she appeared in NBC's "Sean Saves the World" and CBS's "9JKL" and "B Positive," showcasing her enduring presence in television.