Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87 after suffering complications from recently discovered lung cancer.
The actress – most known for her TV role in the 1976 CBS sitcom Alice – leaves behind her doting husband, artist and musician Steve Bakunas.
It was third time lucky for Linda, she said previously, as she was twice divorced before meeting Steve – who is twenty years her junior.
The couple married on Valentine’s Day in 2005, six years after their ‘accident of fate’ meeting at a theatre in North Carolina.
Speaking to Closer Weekly in 2014, Linda gushed of her third husband: ‘We have so much fun together. I feel very fortunate to have found him.’
Of their chance meeting, Linda added: ‘Thank God I had my hair done that day. We always wake up with a real gratitude of being in each other’s lives.’
Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87, leaving behind her doting husband Steve Bakunas (Pictured together in October)
It was third time lucky for Linda, she said previously, as she was twice divorced before meeting Steve – who is twenty years her junior (Pictured in September 2023)
Steve took to Instagram just two weeks before Linda passed away to share an adorable picture of he and Linda at actor Sarah Paulson‘s 50th birthday.
The couple looked as smitten as ever as they got dolled-up for the occasion at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Earlier in the year he shared a particularly complimentary snap of he and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October.
‘Linda always rocks the red carpet!’ Steve wrote, as she replied: ‘Look who’s talkin’! thanks sweetheart❤️.’
Sharing their wedding photo on Valentine’s Day this year, Linda gushed: ’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 ❤️’s Day!’
Stage and screen star Linda – who featured in Netflix’s No Good Deed before her death – had no biological children but was stepmother to Steve’s kids from a previous relationship.
Linda and Steve lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, and spent their time there getting involved in the community.
Steve took to Instagram just two weeks before Linda passed away to share an adorable picture of he and Linda at actor Sarah Paulson ‘s 50th birthday (Pictured)
Earlier in the year he shared a particularly complimentary snap of he and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October. ‘Linda always rocks the red carpet!’ Steve wrote, as she replied: ‘Look who’s talkin’! thanks sweetheart❤️’
Sharing their wedding photo on Valentine’s Day this year, Linda gushed: ’19 years ago today!’
Stage and screen star Linda – who featured in Netflix’s No Good Deed before her death – had no biological children but was stepmother to Steve’s kids from a previous relationship (Pictured in October)
Passionate about rehabilitating impoverished neighbourhoods, the couple renovated homes, donated a park to the city and created a community theatre called the Red Barn Studio.
In 2012 Linda revealed she was set to sell up her Wilmington home and relocate to New York, and the couple moved to the Big Apple the following year.
The beloved Broadway star and television actress died unexpectedly due to complications from lung cancer, Deadline reported on Sunday.
The news came as a shock as Linda was still working as recently as this month.
She was known for her award-winning and illustrious acting career in both arenas of Broadway and television.
For her performance as the titular character over the span of nine seasons, she was nominated for an Emmy Award.
She went on to star in the 1986 play Broadway Bound and won a Tony for her performance.
In 2012 Linda revealed she was set to sell up her Wilmington home and relocate to New York, and the couple moved to the Big Apple the following year (Pictured in June)
Linda made her final public appearance just earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4 (Pictured)
In the past decade, Linda had other major roles in television and was a series regular on the NBC comedy series Sean Saves the World, as well as 9JKL and B Positive.
This year, she continued keeping busy and guest starred on Elsbeth, took on a recurring role on Netflix‘s No Good Deed and also worked on the upcoming Hulu show, Mid-Century Modern.
She filmed her most recent episode for the comedy series just a couple of weeks ago.
Linda made her final public appearance just earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4.
