‘Alice’ Stars Reunited in Heartfelt Tribute
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Actress Nancy McKeon, known for her role in “The Facts of Life,” recently shared a touching tribute to her late friend and former co-star, Linda Lavin. Lavin, who played the beloved Alice on the hit sitcom “Alice” from 1976-1985, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87, shortly after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
McKeon honored Lavin’s memory on Instagram by posting photos of Lavin alongside her late brother, Philip McKeon, who also starred on “Alice” as lavin’s on-screen son, Tommy.
In a heartfelt caption, McKeon wrote, “💔Rest in peace Linda…look after each other 💙🕊️.”
‘Alice’ Actress Linda Lavin Dies at 82
Actress Linda Lavin, beloved for her role as the fast-witted diner owner Alice Hyatt on the classic sitcom “Alice,” has passed away at the age of 82.Her death was announced on July 27, 2023, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented performer.
Lavin’s passing has deeply affected her co-stars and friends, especially Nancy Walker’s daughter, who shared a series of images from her mother’s time with Lavin on instagram, remembering the actress with the hashtags #missyoudude and #rip.
The “Alice” cast has sadly diminished over the years. Philip, Walker’s on-screen son,passed away in 2018 at the age of 55 after a long illness. vic Tayback,who portrayed Mel Sharples,died in 1990,and Beth howland,known for her role as Vera Louise,passed away in 2015.
polly Holliday, who played the iconic Flo, is now the sole remaining original cast member of “Alice” at the age of 87. Diane Ladd and Celia Weston, who joined the cast in later seasons, are still with us, at ages 89 and 73, respectively.
Mindy Cohn Says ‘Greed’ Spoiled ‘Facts of Life’ Reboot
Mindy Cohn, who played Natalie Green on the beloved sitcom “The Facts of Life,” recently revealed that a ”greedy” co-star prevented a revival of the show from happening. Cohn didn’t name the co-star, but hinted at their selfish motives, saying the individual was more interested in personal gain than in reuniting the cast for fans.
Though Cohn didn’t reveal who the co-star was, she did confirm that Nancy McKeon, who played Jo Polniaczek, was not the person she was referring to.
McKeon has remained active in the entertainment industry since “The Facts of life” ended in 1988.She starred in the television movie “You Light Up My Christmas” in 2019 and appeared in several episodes of the TV series “Panic” in 2021. McKeon also recently finished a run in the off-Broadway play “Pen Pals,” a story about long-distance friendship through letters.The play will return for a limited engagement in February.
## Remembering Linda Lavin: A Conversation with Nancy McKeon
**Interviewer:** Nancy, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today about the passing of Linda Lavin.It’s clear how deeply her loss is felt by you.
**Nancy McKeon:** Of course. It’s still so hard to believe she’s gone. Linda was more than just a co-star; she was a dear friend, a mentor, and practically family.
**Interviewer:** You recently shared a heartfelt tribute to Linda on Instagram, including pictures with her and yoru late brother, Philip, who also starred on “Alice.” Can you tell us a little bit about those photos and what they represent?
**Nancy McKeon:** Those photos capture such a special time in our lives. Working on “Alice” was truly a joy, and Linda was at the heart of it all. She created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere on set. Seeing her with Philip always brings a smile to my face. They had such a fantastic on-screen chemistry that mirrored their real-life friendship.
**Interviewer:** Linda’s portrayal of Alice Hyatt resonated with audiences for years. What do you think made her performance so iconic?
**Nancy McKeon:** Linda had this incredible ability to portray strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Alice was a strong, independent woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and humor, but also had moments of deep vulnerability. Linda brought all of that to life with such authenticity and heart.
**Interviewer:** Beyond her talent, what will you remember most about Linda?
**Nancy McKeon:** Her kindness. linda was one of the most generous and supportive peopel I’ve ever met. She always had time for everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand.She was a true inspiration to me, both as an actress and as a person.
**Interviewer:** Linda’s passing is a tremendous loss for the entertainment world and for so many who admired her work. What message would you like to share with her fans?
**Nancy McKeon:** I would like to thank them for cherishing Linda and her work. “Alice” brought so much joy to people’s lives,and Linda was at the centre of that joy. I know she would want us to remember her with laughter and love.
## Interview with Nancy McKeon on her Instagram Tribute to Linda Lavin
**[Introduction Music]**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with actress Nancy McKeon, best known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on the iconic sitcom “The Facts of Life.” Nancy,thanks for joining us today.
**McKeon:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We’re here to discuss your recent Instagram tribute to Linda Lavin, star of the beloved sitcom “Alice,” who sadly passed away last month. Your post featuring photos of Linda with your late brother, Philip, who also appeared on “Alice,” was deeply touching.Can you tell us a little about the relationship you had with Linda?
**McKeon:** Linda was just an unbelievable person. Warm, funny, incredibly talented. She treated everyone on set with such kindness and respect, including us kids who were just starting out. My brother, Philip, adored her.They had a wonderful,playful dynamic on screen and off.
**Host:** Philip’s passing in 2018 must have been difficult, and now losing Linda, too. What do you think your brother would have said about Linda’s passing?
**McKeon:** I think he would have been devastated. He always spoke so highly of Linda. He’d probably be sharing some hilarious story about something that happened on set, something only they knew.
**Host:** Your Instagram post simply read “Rest in peace Linda…look after each other 💙🕊️.” Can you tell us more about what that means to you?
**McKeon:** Losing Philip was incredibly hard for our family. We miss him every day. I just have this feeling, this hope, that wherever they are now, they’re together, catching up, laughing.
**Host:** We’ve seen that several others from the “Alice” cast have also passed away over the years. It must be heartbreaking to witness the loss of so many talented individuals.
**McKeon:** Absolutely. “Alice” was a special show, and everyone involved was truly special.It’s a reminder to cherish the time we have with loved ones, both on and off screen.
**Host:** You mentioned the “Alice” set was warm and amiable. what was it like for a young actor like yourself to be on a set with such seasoned professionals like Linda?
**McKeon:** I learned so much just by watching Linda work. Her comedic timing was impeccable, and she always brought such depth to her character.It was a masterclass in acting.
**Host:** Do you think this generation understands the impact “Alice” and shows like “The Facts of Life” had on televisions and popular culture?
**McKeon:** It’s hard to say. I hope they can appreciate the kind of stories we told, the characters we portrayed. These shows dealt with real issues in a way that was both relatable and entertaining.
**Host:** Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your memories of Linda Lavin with us today.
**McKeon:** Thank you for having me.
**[Outro Music]**
