Veteran actor Alan Thicke passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 69, after suffering a heart attack in Los Angeles.
As tributes from friends and family poured in, his son Robin Thicke reflected on the loss of his beloved father.
“My father passed away today,” Thicke wrote on Instagram. “He was the best man I ever knew. The best friend I ever had. Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the joy he brought to every room he was in. We love you Alan Thicke. Thank you for your love. Love, your grateful son.”
Other friends of the family, including Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Nas, also remembered the “Growing Pains” star.
“Sending my deepest condolences to @robinthicke & his family,” said Nicki. #RIPAlanThicke #GrowingPains was a big part of my childhood. Thank you.”
Drake remembered his fellow Canadian with a post on Instagram featuring the teary-eyed emoji and Canadian flag.
Thicke starred on the hit series “Growing Pains” in the ’80s and ’90s, which earned him the nickname America’s Dad. A singer-songwriter, Alan had a successful career as a TV theme song composer as well, often collaborating with his then-wife, Robin’s mom, Gloria Loring, which included the themes to the popular sitcoms Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. He also wrote a number of TV game show themes, including “The Joker’s Wild,” “Celebrity Sweepstakes,” and the original “Wheel of Fortune.”
