“Went out and did what she loved”

“Went out and did what she loved”

Tributes are pouring in for the late Linda Lavin following her death at the age of 87.

The Alice Star died on Sunday, December 29, PEOPLE confirmed, and her rep said she “passed unexpectedly due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer.”

Shortly before her death, Lavin had filmed several episodes of Mid-Century Modern with Nathan Lane and Matt Bomer, and both actors said they were “heartbroken” over their loss.

Calling her “a brilliant, unique actress who could play comedies and dramas with equal aplomb and who made going to work a joy every day,” Lane said in a statement to PEOPLE: “I feel so lucky and grateful .” was finally able to act with her and that she went out and did what she loved and was still at the top of her game.

“I called her mother on and off camera and will cherish the memory of spending this happy time with such a beautiful and loving soul,” Lane, 68, added.

“I am deeply grateful to have been touched by the brilliance of Linda Lavin,” Bomer, 47, said in a statement to PEOPLE. “She is an icon, a phenomenal artist and a deeply caring human being who will remain an inspiration to me and will be greatly missed by us all. She has done incredible work throughout her adult life, touching everyone who has been fortunate enough to know about her.”

“My heart goes out to her husband Steve and all her loved ones. Thank you, Ms. Lavin, for showing us how to do it all the way,” Bomer concluded.

Matt Bomer, David Kohan, Nathan Lane, James Burrows, Linda Lavin, Max Mutchnick and Nathan Lee Graham on the set of “Mid-Century Modern.”

Max Mutchnick/Instagram


Several of the minds behind the upcoming Hulu series, including producers Max Mutchnick and David Kohan and director and executive producer James Burrows, released a joint statement following Lavin’s death.

“Working with Linda was one of the highlights of our career. She was a great actress, singer, musician and a hot-headed missile with wit. But more importantly, she was a beautiful soul. Deep, joyful, generous and loving,” they said Rolling Stone. “She made our days better. She will be missed beyond measure by all the staff and crew. We are better for having known them.”

Lavin also recently appeared in the Netflix series Not a good deed, and the show’s creator, Liz Feldman, also paid tribute to her, writing on Instagram: “As always, you were incredibly kind, absolutely hilarious and absolutely perfect. Ready to play and full of life. Your warmth and kindness were unparalleled. I just loved it.” She. We all did that.

“I’m so glad I saw you at the premiere a few weeks ago and was able to introduce you to my parents. They were thrilled to meet you. And my dad made it very clear to me that you were his favorite part.” Not a good deed. He wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Thank you for letting me into your breathtaking orbit. And for letting me shoot with you for a while. 🩷.”

Several of her former co-stars have also reflected on her lasting impact on their lives, including her Space for two CST colleague Patricia Heaton, who called Lavin “a true friend and an absolute force of nature” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“I just heard the news that my dear friend Linda Lavin has died,” Heaton wrote. “Completely unexpected, even at 87 years old.”

Linda Lavin as Gloria Blecher in “Elsbeth”.

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Joe Mantegna shared a selfie with her on Instagram and wrote: “One of the rarest gifts in life is finding a ‘new’ old friend. Linda Lavin was that for me and my family. Rest in peace, dear Linda.”

Wendell Pierce also posted. He shared a photo of Lavin Elsbeth onElsbeth) and delivered a wonderful performance as we started our show. From stage to screen, she was an icon. May angelic flights sing to her rest. REST IN PEACE.”

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