Philip McKeon Dies at 55 From Longterm Illness

Natalie Hunter
1
A black and white photo of a young Philip McKeon
A black and white photo of a young Philip McKeon

Philip McKeon passed away Tuesday morning after a long fight with a longterm illness. He didn't make any public statements on his illness. The illness is currently unknown to the public. However, [according to Pop Culture,] (https://popculture.com/celebrity/2019/12/10/philip-mckeon-former-alice-child-star-dead-at-55/) a family member spoke to People about McKeon and honored his passing.

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

Black and white photo of Philip and Nancy McKeon in formal wear
Black and white photo of Philip and Nancy McKeon in formal wear

McKeon was best known for his role in CBS's sitcom 'Alice.' He played Tommy Wyatt. The sitcom was based on the 1974 Martin Scorsese film 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' and had a long run from 1976 to 1985.

He then went on to tackle a different medium as a radio news reporter for Los Angeles station KFWB News 98. He made a few TV cameos since for shows 'CHiPs,' 'Fantasy Island' and 'The Love Boat.' He also had a few movie roles.

These included 'Sandman,' 'Ghoulies IV' and 'Return to Horror High.' McKeon initially got his start on Broadway before being discovered for 'Alice.'

His sister, Nancy McKeon, is also famous and successful in the entertainment industry. She worked as an actress most known for playing Jo Polniaczek in 'The Facts of Life' and Jinny Exstead in 'The Division.' Their father Don McKeon had left his job in New York to become both Philip's and Nancy's manager and support their successful acting careers.

Phlip
Phlip

Philip and Don McKeon once sat down for a joint interview with People.

"If anyone had told me 10 years ago when I was a travel agent in New York, that the kids would bring me to this, I would have laughed," Don McKeon shared with People.

"My parents are pretty laid back, but if I said, ‘Folks, I'm taking off for Vegas for a couple of days,' I think they might have something to say about it," Philip added jokingly.

Fans took to Twitter to pay their respect.

"So sorry to hear of his passing," one user wrote. "He had great chemistry with Linda Lavin and the whole cast of Alice. Thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends."

Another tweeted, "Oh so sorry to hear this! Grew up watching Alice. My condolences to his mother and his sister Nancy. Rest in peace Tommy."

"Former child star Philip McKeon of the hit 1976 tv #sitcom Alice, has passed away at the age of 55. RIP.," another fan mourned.