Alan Thicke has died

14 December 2016

Alan Thicke has died at the age of 69.

Alan Thicke

The 'Growing Pains' actor was rushed to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday (13.12.16) after suffering a heart attack while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son Carter, but was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Alan's famous son, 39-year-old singer Robin Thicke told the Los Angeles Times newspaper that one of the final things his father said was a compliment to Carter on a nice shot.

He hailed the 'Fuller House' star as the "greatest man I ever met" and "always a gentleman."

He added: "The good thing was that he was beloved and he had closure.

"I saw him a few days ago and told him how much I loved and respected him."

Carter - whose mother is Alan's second wife Gina Tolleson - described his dad as his "best friend and idol".

He wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of himself and his father: "Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest.

"I have never known a more kind, loving, hairy, and generous person in my life and I am forever grateful for the light that this man brought to my life and so many others. You will be missed every second of every day. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time."

Alan's ex-wife, Gloria Loring - who was married to the actor from 1970 and 1983 and had sons Brennan, 41, and Robin with him - said his passing came as a total "shock".

She told Us Weekly: "Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke's passing. It is a shock. We were all just together for Thanksgiving.

"He was talented, funny and deeply devoted to his family. Rest In Peace, dear one."

A host of famous faces have flocked to pay tribute to Alan - who is survived by his third wife Tanya - including his co-stars on his most recent work, 'Fuller House'.

Bob Saget posted: "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."

And Candace Cameron Bure wrote on Instagram: "I'm sad beyond words that Alan Thicke has passed away. I've known you since I was 8 years old and so glad I had the pleasure of working with you again so recently on Fuller House. You were a part of my family and hockey family. You will be greatly missed. My heart hurts.(sic)"

Ellen DeGeneres also spoke of her sadness of the passing of the former talk show host.

She tweeted: "America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family."

John Legend had met the actor through Robin and was upset by the news.

He wrote: "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."

Ryan Seacrest shared: "sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family."

Singer Chaka Khan, 63, admitted his passing had her worried about her own mortality following a host of high-profile deaths in 2016.

She tweeted: "Condolences to the family of @Alan_Thicke. If ever there was a time celebs are thinking about our mortality, 2016 is it."