Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87 from recently discovered lung cancer.
The actress – best known for her TV role in the 1976 CBS sitcom Alice – is survived by her loving husband, artist and musician Steve Bakunas.
It was Linda’s third lucky break, she previously said, as she was divorced twice before meeting Steve, who is 20 years her junior.
The couple married on Valentine’s Day in 2005, six years after their “accident of fate” meeting at a theater in North Carolina.
Speaking to Closer Weekly in 2014, Linda opened up about her third husband: ‘We have so much fun together. I feel very lucky to have found him.’
Of their chance meeting, Linda added: “Thank God I got my hair done that day. We always wake up with a real gratitude for being in each other’s lives.”
Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87, leaving behind her loving husband Steve Bakunas (pictured together in October)
It was Linda’s third lucky break, she previously said, as she was divorced twice before meeting Steve, who is 20 years her junior (pictured in September 2023).
Just two weeks before Linda passed away, Steve shared an adorable photo of him and Linda on Instagram at actor Sarah Paulson’s 50th birthday.
The couple looked as in love as ever as they got dolled up for the occasion at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Earlier this year, he shared a particularly complimentary photo of him and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October.
‘Linda always rocks the red carpet!’ Steve wrote, as she replied, “Look who’s talking!” thank you darling.’
Linda shared their wedding photo on Valentine’s Day this year, saying: ’19 years ago today!
“Still in love, in the adventure and comfort of us and gratitude for each other and those we love and who love us. Happy day!’
Stage and film star Linda – who appeared in Netflix’s No Good Deed before her death – had no biological children, but was stepmother to Steve’s children from a previous relationship.
Linda and Steve lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, and spent their time there with their community involvement.
Just two weeks before Linda passed away, Steve shared on Instagram an adorable photo of him and Linda at actor Sarah Paulson’s 50th birthday (pictured)
Earlier this year, he shared a particularly complimentary photo of him and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October. ‘Linda always rocks the red carpet!’ Steve wrote, as she replied, “Look who’s talking!” thank you darling
Linda shared their wedding photo on Valentine’s Day this year, saying: ’19 years ago today!’
Stage and film star Linda – who appeared in Netflix’s No Good Deed before her death – had no biological children but was stepmother to Steve’s children from a previous relationship (pictured in October)
Passionate about regenerating impoverished neighborhoods, the couple renovated homes, donated a park to the city and created a community theater called the Red Barn Studio.
In 2012, Linda revealed that she would be selling her home in Wilmington and moving to New York, and the following year the couple moved to the Big Apple.
The beloved Broadway star and television actress died unexpectedly from lung cancer, Term reported on Sunday.
The news came as a shock as Linda was still working this month.
She was known for her award-winning and illustrious acting career in both arenas of Broadway and on television.
For her performance as the titular character over nine seasons, she was nominated for an Emmy Award.
She next starred in the 1986 play Broadway Bound and won a Tony for her performance.
In 2012, Linda revealed she would be selling her Wilmington home and moving to New York, and the couple moved to the Big Apple the following year (pictured in June)
Linda made her final public appearance earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4 (pictured)
Over the past decade, Linda has had other major roles on television, appearing regularly on the NBC comedy series Sean Saves the World, as well as 9JKL and B Positive.
This year, she stayed busy and guest-starred on Elsbeth, had a recurring role on Netflix’s No Good Deed, and also worked on the upcoming Hulu show, Mid-Century Modern.
A few weeks ago she filmed her most recent episode of the comedy series.
Linda made her last public appearance earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4.