The sporting world lost one of its biggest fans on Tuesday.
Canadian actor Alan Thicke suffered an apparent heart attack and was pronounced dead at Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center, according to TMZ. He was 69 years old.
Famous for his role as Jason Seaver on the 1980’s sitcom “Growing Pains,” Thicke was a fervent sports fan. Before landing the role that made him famous, Thicke worked with the music and comedy troupe Good Company and was the idea man behind having Boston Bruins center Phil Esposito sing “Hockey Sock Rock” to benefit juvenile diabetes.
In 1981, Thicke helped then-Los Angeles Kings owner Jerry Buss with the production for the NHL All-Star Banquet. It was there that he met a famous hockey player who would become his lifelong friend, Wayne Gretzky. Thicke and Gretzky immediately became friends as the television icon helped the world’s greatest hockey player with off-ice decisions, such as hosting “Saturday Night Live”.
Thicke also is given credit for helping Gretzky feel comfortable in Los Angeles following the trade that sent him from the Edmonton Oilers to the Kings. In fact, Gretzky was babysitting Thicke’s son when the trade transpired.
The famous Canadian actor always found himself around professional athletes whether it was playing in Michael Jordan’s celebrity golf tournaments or pickup hockey with Gordie Howe. He was a fixture in the sporting world.
Thicke is survived by his wife Tanya and three sons, Robin, Carter, and Brennan.
Thumbnail photo via Instagram
