A look back at Alan Thicke on 'Growing Pains' as Dr. Jason Seaver

For most kids of recent generations, they grew up with Alan Thicke.

The Canadian-born actor was a part of every family in his most famous role as Dr. Jason Seaver on "Growing Pains," which aired on ABC from 1985 to 1992. Thicke brought a candor and cool to his role as the patriarch of the American family, which also starred Joanna Kerns as his wife, Maggie, Kirk Cameron as son, Mike, Tracey Gold as daughter, Carol Ann, Jeremy Miller as son, Ben, and Ashley Johnson, as Chrissy.

The family had their ups and downs but they always found their way back to each other. And throughout the seven seasons, Dr. Seaver was always there to teach us important life lessons like: not to do drugs when offered like Mike was once offered on the show, and to pick up the pieces after leaving your groom at the altar, like Julie did, and of course, to take life's surprises in stride like the surprise of Chrissy their newborn, who was much younger than their other kids.

We'll never forget the opening credits rolling as "As Long As We Got Each Other" played in fabulous 1980s fashion and had great lyrics. "As long as we've got each other, we've got the world spinning right in our hands. Baby, rain or shine, all the time, we've got each other sharing the laughter and love."

In light of Alan Thicke's sudden passing on Tuesday, take a look back at his time on the hit show.

PHOTOS: Alan Thicke on 'Growing Pains'