As millions of fans and esteemed co-stars mourned the death of “Growing Pains” dad Alan Thicke on Tuesday, his real-life son, Robin Thicke, paid a tribute to his famous father.
Alan was “the greatest man I ever me,” the “Blurred Lines” singer told the L.A. Times, describing him as “always a gentleman.”
Thicke Sr. died of a heart attack Tuesday afternoon while playing hockey with his younger son
Robin said that one of the last things his hockey fanatic dad said was to compliment
“The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure,” Robin Thicke told the Times, while crediting his father for being an inspiration and support throughout his music career. “I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him.”
Thicke played Jason Seaver, the father on sitcom “Growing Pains,” which ran for seven seasons from 1985-1992 on ABC. The show garnered him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in 1988.
The sitcom spawned two TV movie spinoffs, “The Growing Pains Movie” in 2000 and “Growing Pains: Return of the Seavers,” in 2004, with Thicke reprising his role and the original cast, including Joanne Kerns, Kirk Cameron and Tracey Gold returning as the Seaver clan.
A prolific songwriter, Thicke also wrote the theme songs to shows like “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Facts of Life.”
Most recently, Thicke played himself on an episode of NBC’s “This Is Us” and also appeared on an episode of “Fuller House.” Other recent roles included guest spots on shows including “Scream Queens,” “American Dad” and “The Eric Andre Show.”
Along with Robin and Carter, he is survived by son Brennan and his wife Tanya.