Days after the death of 'Growing Pains' star Alan Thicke, his television wife, Joanna Kerns, and his former co-stars from the '80s sitcom Leonardo DiCaprio, Tracey Gold and Kirk Cameron, have issued heartfelt tributes in separate statements.
Entertainment Tonight reported that Kerns, who played Thicke's TV wife as Maggie Seaver on the sitcom "Growing Pains," issued a statement on his death and reflected on her friendship with Thicke, which lasted beyond the end of the show.
Alan was a true and loyal friend. As Maggie and Jason Seaver, we experienced more than a life-changing success together...
Alan loved everything youthful: women, sports, music, and above all, his beautiful and talented sons, Brennan, Robin, and Carter… There was a sweetness and kindness to his humor. No one could make fun of Alan better than Alan. As an actor, that is a gift, and I truly believe he was underrated.
I am devastated by Alan's passing and will be for some time. I used to joke, before I met my real husband, Marc, that Alan was my favorite daytime husband. At work we laughed all day, everyday at things Alan would come up with, usually at my expense. It was fun. Alan was fun and we all loved teasing each other. Alan kept me calm and when I'd start to get upset about something silly, he would set things straight...
DiCaprio, who played a homeless teen taken in by the Seavers during an arc on the show, shared a statement on Facebook.
Alan was a devoted father, husband, friend and role model. He knew how to harness the power of the entertainment industry to be a positive influence in so many lives -- including mine.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I had to work with Alan early in my career. He had tremendous class, a huge heart, and he taught me and so many others the valuable lessons about humility and gratitude. I've seen him a number of times over the years and when Alan Thicke walked in the room, quite frankly, no one was cooler. I miss him already - my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Thicke family during this difficult time.
Gold, who played the Seaver's oldest daughter, said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly that she is "in absolute shock and so unbelievably sad."
In 1985, the Seavers became a family and Alan was our patriarch. I looked up to Alan and admired him greatly. I always listened to his advice and wisdom. He was so kind and warm and always made me laugh. He was incredibly proud that our Growing Pains days were about family, all our families.
He was truly an amazing father. His sons were his world. Our Growing Pains family is hurting today and that will not go away anytime soon. He was so full of life. I thought we had so much time. I'm not ready to say goodbye. I am so honored to have been his daughter for seven beautiful years. I love you Alan and will miss you forever.
Cameron, who played oldest brother Mike Seaver, shared a statement on Facebook Wednesday.
I'm shocked and truly heartbroken today at the news of his death. Alan was a generous, kind and loving man. I am so blessed to have grown up with him. (My wife) Chelsea and I send our love and prayers to his family tonight. We will cherish the memories "sharing the laughter and love."
Thicke died of a heart attack Tuesday at age 69.
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