1970s Child Actor Philip McKeon Dies at 55, Co-Stars Respond

Save

By Jack Phillips

12/13/2019

Updated:

12/13/2019

Philip McKeon, who appeared as a child on sitcom “Alice” between 1976 and 1985, died at age 55, it was reported.

Co-star Linda Lavin said she is mourning after news broke of his death.

“Philip was the endearing, loving boy, always willing and eager to connect with others,” she told People. “Although we were performing a show, the dynamic of creating that relationship made our connection very real and deep. He taught me how to be a good mom, just by being the wondrous boy he was.”

He died Tuesday morning in Texas after battling illness, according to his spokesman, Jeff Ballard, in media reports.

“We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil’s passing,” Ballard said, reported E! News. “His wonderful sense of humor, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life.”

Charlie Sheen also reacted to McKeon’s death. The two appeared in the 1980s show “Amazing Series.”

“Shared some wonderful moments in the ‘trenches’ with Phil McKeon many moons ago,” Sheen wrote on Twitter. “Over the past few decades, he was always a perfect gentleman and an ebullient spirit.”

“And his goofy smile, was pure gold,” Sheen added. “R.i.p. young man. Much much too soon, you cut out.”

His sister, “Facts of Life” star Nancy McKeon had posted a birthday tribute about a month before his death.

“A huge happy birthday to my big brother !! It’s been a tough time lately... but as we’ve always said...we’ll get through it together... love you Dude,” she wrote on Instagram.

McKeon also worked in the news department for KFWB News 98 in Los Angeles for 10 years, and he later had his own show in Texas, according to E! News.