‘Growing Pains’ star Alan Thicke dead at 69

Canadian actor Alan Thicke, best known for his leading role in the 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains” and the father of singer Robin Thicke, died on Tuesday, his spokeswoman said. He was 69.

“Alan’s sudden passing has been confirmed. At present, we have no further details,” Monique Moss said in a brief email.

A source close to the family told Reuters by telephone that Thicke suffered a heart attack and was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, where he was pronounced dead.

Celebrity news outlet TMZ reported that Thicke had been playing hockey with his 19-year-old son when he died.

Thicke was beloved by many fans for his role as psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver in ABC’s “Growing Pains,” which ran from 1985 to 1992. The Golden Globe-nominated actor also appeared in an array of other television shows and movies, according to his website.

Thicke was also a popular host for television events, including the Emmy Awards, and a prolific composer of television theme songs, among which was the theme for Wheel of Fortune, his website said.

More recently, Thicke was set to appear in “Fuller House,” a remake of the popular 1990s family sitcom produced by Netflix.

“Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I’m not in!” Thicke said in a tweet earlier on Tuesday.

Thicke is also the father of Grammy award nominated-singer Robin Thicke, who is known for R&B and pop hits including “Blurred Lines” and “Lost Without U.”

His death was quickly mourned on social media.

“America loved Alan Thicke. I’m so sad he’s gone. Sending so much love to his family,” comedian Ellen DeGeneres said in a tweet.

The National Hockey League tweeted: “The NHL family is sad to learn of the passing of longtime hockey fan Alan Thicke.”