Quintessential T.V. dad Alan Thicke died unexpectedly Tuesday at the age of 69. One thing is clear, judging by social media reaction today, Thicke was universally beloved off the screen as much if not more as he was on it.
The father of three died after suffering a heart attack while he was playing hockey with his 19-year-old son, Carter Thicke, according to media reports.
Thicke is also father to “Blurred Lines’ singer Robin Thicke and son Brennan Thicke. He is survived by his wife, actress Tanya Callau Thicke.
Celebrities and public figures took to social media to pay tribute to the “Growing Pains” star:
His son, Carter Thicke, shared this heartbreaking tweet about losing his “best friend” yesterday.
Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time. pic.twitter.com/ZQd2NZMTx4
— Carter Thicke (@CarterThicke) December 14, 2016
Kirk Cameron, who played Thicke’s TV son for the better part of a decade, posted this last night.
Candace Cameron Bure had just worked with Thicke during an episode of “Fuller House” on Netflix.
So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) December 14, 2016
Fuller House star David Coulier shared Thicke’s love of hockey and this photo from a Jimmy Kimmel sketch.
RIP Alan Thicke. We skated side by side for years. Say hello to Gordie and The Rocket for me. Our Canadian Mounties sketch @jimmykimmel pic.twitter.com/YE5SiFRtsf
— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) December 14, 2016
Thicke was a huge hockey fan, and friend to the NHL.
The NHL family is sad to learn of the passing of longtime hockey fan Alan Thicke. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/5ADyWRksuf
— NHL (@NHL) December 14, 2016
I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan. ?
— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) December 14, 2016
Actor Rob Lowe echoed what many have been saying in the wake of this sad news – Thicke was one of the good guys in Hollywood.
Alan Thicke was one of the nicest guys in our business. And he LOVED his family. And hockey. A shocking, sad loss.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 14, 2016
Anyone who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and watched “Growing Pains” knows Thicke was a great role model for all dads.
Tonight, we say goodbye to one of TV’s most famous and beloved dads, Alan Thicke. pic.twitter.com/jo3b9Xyj8q
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) December 14, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Thicke. A wonderful talent, a wonderful man. https://t.co/tb50aiVzlR
— Larry King (@kingsthings) December 14, 2016
Alan Thicke was always the nicest and happiest person in the room. Gone way too soon. Rest In Peace.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 14, 2016
Ellen DeGeneres summed it up well – America loved this iconic TV dad.
America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2016
Singer John Legend expressed his condolences.
RIP Alan Thicke. I grew up watching him and got to know him through Robin. He was always so kind to me. So sad to hear about his passing.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 14, 2016
Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Alan Thicke. A longtime friend to the LA Kings and the hockey community. pic.twitter.com/qPccXcY3SE
— #LAKings (@LAKings) December 14, 2016
Ryan Seacrest says he was a “great friend” over the years.
sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 14, 2016
RIP to my brother Alan Thicke. The world has lost an icon. ?? pic.twitter.com/zIK0hzjihK
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) December 14, 2016
Just heard of Alan Thicke's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him this year. He was… https://t.co/kmirzUNr2l
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) December 14, 2016
Seems like there wasn’t anyone he hadn’t touched with his kind presence.
Had the pleasure of meeting Alan Thicke and his amazing wife Tanya a few years back.. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP ?
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) December 14, 2016
Rest in peace Alan Thicke – You brought so much light, love and humor to the world! Deeply grateful for your friendship and wisdom.
— Ed Helms (@edhelms) December 14, 2016
So so sad to hear about the passing of #AlanThicke. Such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Rest in love. ❤️
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) December 14, 2016
.@Alan_Thicke was always so gracious & kind to me. A very very cool guy. Rest In Peace my friend. God bless this great Canadian!
— Joel McHale (@joelmchale) December 14, 2016
My heart breaks for your family @robinthicke We all loved your dad @Alan_Thicke he'll never be forgotten.
— Denise Richards (@DENISE_RICHARDS) December 14, 2016
R.I.P Alan Thicke. U were way way too young. Loved watching you growing up. Rest In Peace ?
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 14, 2016
Dennis Haskins said Thicke was “always helping others” during his life.
I am incredibly sad to hear about the passing of my friend @Alan_Thicke He was always helping others. Thoughts & prayers to Tanya and family
— Dennis Haskins (@mrbelding) December 14, 2016
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper chimed in with condolences as well.
Alan Thicke's legacy will live on through his countless contributions to the arts, Canada mourns one of its own.
— Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) December 14, 2016
The Dodgers offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alan Thicke over his passing today. pic.twitter.com/iEZMTkeMo7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 14, 2016
Montel Williams expressed his condolences, but also seemed to throw in a jab at Donald Trump in the process, remarking that way too many “bad people” are “getting lucky” in 2016.
Now Alan Thicke…
Can we get a do-over on 2016? Too many good people lost and way too many bad people getting lucky…
RIP Dr. Seaver ??
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) December 14, 2016
Rest well @Alan_Thicke. A great TV dad…you will be missed. #Ripalanthicke
— Will Friedle (@willfriedle) December 14, 2016
LeAnn Rimes says Alan was “practically part of our families” growing up.
My heart goes out to the Thicke family. Really sad news. A lot of us grew up with Alan as practically part of our families. #ripalanthicke
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 14, 2016
Lisa Rinna summed up what many are feeling – life is so fragile.
Life is short and so fragile. We are so saddened to hear about Alan Thicke ? our thoughts and prayers go out to his family ??
— lisa rinna (@lisarinna) December 14, 2016