Linda Lavin, a versatile actress on stage and screen known for her powerhouse voice, sharp comedic timing, and warm presence, died December 29, 2024. The cause was complications from lung cancer; she was 87.

Born on October 15, 1938, in Portland, Maine, Lavin’s interest in performing began at a young age. Her Broadway debut came in 1966, introducing the song “You’ve Got Possibilities” in the short-lived musical “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman.” But her early career is defined by her starring turn on the TV sitcom “Alice,” which ran from 1976 to 1985 and earned her an Emmy nomination.

Based on the Martin Scorsese film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” the show starred Lavin as Alice, a widowed mother who moves to Phoenix to start a new life and work as a waitress. Lavin brought warmth, resilience, and humor to the character, earning critical praise and two Golden Globe awards.