'Growing Pains' Star Alan Thicke Dead at 69
— -- Alan Thicke, the actor best known for his starring role in the 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains," died Tuesday at age 69.
Thicke's publicist confirmed his death to ABC News. A publicist for his son Robin Thicke, of "Blurred Lines" fame, said the actor suffered a heart attack in Los Angeles.
Born in Canada, Alan Thicke enjoyed a successful career as a writer, producer and game show host in the 1970s and early 1980s. He's best remembered in the U.S. for his role as psychiatrist Jason Seaver in the family sitcom "Growing Pains," which aired on ABC for seven seasons, from 1985 to 1992. In its final season, the show also starred a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
Thicke composed more than a few television theme songs, including for the sitcoms "Diff'rent Strokes" and "The Facts of Life." He wrote game show themes as well, including the original "Wheel of Fortune" theme.
He was also known for hosting TV variety broadcasts. Most recently, he was the television spokesman for Optima Tax Relief.
The actor's death sparked an outpouring of grief from Hollywood.
