Philip McKeon has died aged 55 after battling a long term illness.
A child star on popular US sitcom Alice, between 1976 and 1985, he died on Tuesday morning in Texas, according to family spokesman Jeff Ballard.
In a statement, Ballard shared the sadness of McKeon’s family at his passing.
He said: “We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil’s passing.
“His wonderful sense of humor, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life.”
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
McKeon was just four years old when he began his professional career, when his parents took him along with two-year-old sister Nancy to a modelling audition.
He started modelling and appearing in magazines, newspapers, and television commercials, while Nancy eventually became an actress, best known for her role in Facts of Life.
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
While the modelling continued, McKeon started turning his hand to acting and it was while performing on Broadway that he was spotted by his future Alice co-star, Linda Lavin.
She thought he was bright and talented and recommended him for the part of Tommy Hyatt.
This role in CBS sitcom Alice, which was based upon Martin Scorsese’s 1974 rom-com Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, became McKeon’s defining role.
After the sitcom, McKeon worked for 10 years in the news department of Los Angeles station KFWB News 98.
He then moved to Wimberly, Texas, to be closer to family, where he hosted his own radio show.
(Image: Getty Images)
McKeon kept his hand in on TV with a number of cameo roles in the likes of CHiPs, Fantasy Island and The Love Boat.
He also started in 1987 slasher film Return to Horror High.
Philip is survived by Nancy and his mother, Barbara.
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