Lin-Manuel Miranda and TV stars remember Alan Thicke's lesser-known songwriting career
Latifah Muhammad
Dec 15th 2016 9:33AM
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Facts of Life star Mindy Cohn are paying tribute to Alan Thicke's lesser-known songwriting career.
Thicke, who passed away from a heart attack on Tuesday, was a celebrated sitcom star, but the 69-year-old actor also made a living as a talented composer penning theme songs for The Facts of Life, Diff'rent Strokes, Wheel of Fortune, and more classic shows.
"I'll miss a lot about @Alan_Thicke, but his songwriting particularly defined my childhood," Miranda tweeted Tuesday, with a link to a fan-edited video featuring The Facts of Life theme song.
I'll miss a lot about @Alan_Thicke, but his songwriting particularly defined my childhood: https://t.co/QlwX7cD1Qfhttps://t.co/G463Xiz0Hh
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) December 14, 2016
RELATED: Alan Thicke Told Son to Snap Photo as EMTs Took Him to Hospital: 'Take a Shot, Kiddo'
See how more stars reacted to Alan Thicke's death:
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Reaction to Alan Thicke's death
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Reaction to Alan Thicke's death
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.
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.
❤️ https://t.co/g0fknOd1JR
America loved Alan Thicke. I'm so sad he's gone. Sending so much love to his family.
RIP to my brother Alan Thicke. The world has lost an icon. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/zIK0hzjihK
RIP Alan Thicke. We skated side by side for years. Say hello to Gordie and The Rocket for me. Our Canadian Mounties… https://t.co/VNTQrR6Hqs
sad to learn of Alan Thicke's passing. he was a great friend over the years. thoughts & prayers to his family.
I'm so sad to hear about the passing of Alan Thicke. RIP Alan. 😢
So tragic to hear the news of the passing of Alan Thicke. God Bless his family at this tough time.
Just heard of Alan Thicke's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him this year. He was such a talent and good guy. My heart goes out to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace
Pleasure to have known you sir...
#RIP #AlanThicke https://t.co/paewzVnNxP
As many others did, I grew up being entertained by Alan Thicke. 69 is far too young. My thoughts are with his family and his legion of fans.
Alan Thicke was one of the nicest guys in our business. And he LOVED his family. And hockey. A shocking, sad loss.
The Dodgers offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Alan Thicke over his passing today. https://t.co/iEZMTkeMo7
RIP to the man who wrote #thefactsoflife theme song, my co-host of the radio show TalkZone & a true gentleman of our business #AlanThicke
Rest In Peace. To my friend #AlanThicke. This guy was the best. Always a gentleman, funny and talented. God Bless His wife Tanya and all of his Loved ones. You will be missed sir!!! #shocker #Damn!
So sorry to hear of the passing of Alan Thicke. A wonderful talent, a wonderful man. https://t.co/tb50aiVzlR
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.
Had the pleasure of meeting Alan Thicke and his amazing wife Tanya a few years back.. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP 😔
Saddened over the loss of my friend Alan. Condolences to his family.
I'm shocked to hear about Allan Thicke. He was a good man who gave me some big breaks in my early days. I'll miss you buddy.
Alan Thicke was always the nicest and happiest person in the room. Gone way too soon. Rest In Peace.
First met @Alan_Thicke while working with his brother @realtoddthicke on @AFVofficial. Shocked to hear he's passed. Sending condolences 😔
So so sad to hear about the passing of #AlanThicke. Such a nice guy. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. Rest in love. ❤️
Condolences to my dude @robinthicke & the entire Thicke family for their loss. #RIP to the late great #AlanThicke
RIP, Alan Thicke. Had the chance to get to know him the last few years. Such a kind-hearted human being. Love to his wife and kids.
Very sad about the passing of Alan Thicke. I was fortunate enough to spend time with him & golf with him. #kindman #generousman #RIP
RIP #AlanThicke What a bummer. 😢 https://t.co/Sf387DtaG5
Sleep well #AlanThicke . 😔
RIP Alan Thicke who was a great talent and a genuine person. #everyonesdad
RIP Alan Thicke. Can't believe it. Honor to have known you and to been able to work with you.
I almost believe it's not real. The hockey word lost a great ambassador and I a good friend. Thoughts are with your family @Alan_Thicke
I am so sorry to hear about Alan Thicke's passing. My love and prayers to his family.
I am saddened at the news of #GrowingPains Alan Thicke's passing. My daughter and I just saw him! RIP dear friend… https://t.co/5mkZbzeNdJ
Our TV dads are leaving us. Phillip Banks, George Jefferson, Mike Brady, Phillip Drummond and now Jason Seaver. RIP Alan Thicke
R.I.P Alan Thicke 👼🏻 https://t.co/YH0ik2YPEc
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your kindness concerning Alan Thicke's passing. It is a shock. We were all just... https://t.co/GUbve6x55q
My heart aches right now. My good buddy Alan Thicke has passed away. Can't believe it. Can't believe it. https://t.co/gwIFVnYQh4
Very sad to hear the passing of Alan Thicke. Always was pleasure to be around. Thoughts are prayers for his family
Now Alan Thicke...
Can we get a do-over on 2016? Too many good people lost and way too many bad people getting lucky...
RIP Dr. Seaver 🙏🏾
I am shocked & devastated at the news of Alan Thicke's death. A friend for many years, he wrote & produced so many of my TV Specials.......
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Like the Hamilton creator, Cohn spotlighted Thicke's work on The Facts of Life in a heartwarming Twitter post.
"RIP to the man who wrote #thefactsoflife theme song, my co-host of the radio show TalkZone & a true gentleman of our business #AlanThicke," she wrote.
RIP to the man who wrote #thefactsoflife theme song, my co-host of the radio show TalkZone & a true gentleman of our business #AlanThicke
— Mindy Cohn (@MindyCohn) December 14, 2016
WATCH: Alan Thicke, King of the Cameo -- See His Most Memorable Guest Appearances
Buffy star Gellar also noted Thicke's songwriting credits, which she called her "childhood jams."
"I grew up loving #AlanThicke, and #factsoflife and #differentstrokes [sic] theme songs were my childhood jams #RIPAlanThicke," Gellar tweeted.
#jasonseaver I grew up loving #AlanThicke, and #factsoflife and #differentstrokes theme songs were my childhood jams #RIPAlanThicke
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) December 14, 2016
MORE: Candace Cameron Bure on Alan Thicke's Death: 'He Just Seemed So Healthy, So Young'
While Thicke's sudden death left fans, friends and his Growing Pains co-stars in shock, the Canadian-born TV legend's ex-wife remains heartbroken by the devastating loss.
See photos of Alan Thicke through the years:
34 PHOTOS
Alan Thicke through the years
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Alan Thicke through the years
Actress Valerie Harper and actor Alan Thicke attend the Kenny Rogers in Concert: 'The Gambler' Tour on September 14, 1979 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke and son Brennan Thicke attending 'Celebrity Fashion Show Benefiting Windfeather' on June 10, 1984 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke and actress Gina Gallego attending Third Annual American Diabetes Association Waiters Brunch on February 9, 1985 at Baxter's Restaurant in Westwood, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke attending the premiere party for 'Out of Africa' on December 10, 1985 at the Plitt Theater in Century City, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
GROWING PAINS - 'The Kid' - Airdate: December 16, 1985.
(Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images)
Actor Alan Thicke attending 59th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 25, 1990 in Hollywood, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke and sons Brennan Thick and Robin Thicke and Actress Joanna Kerns attend the 'Celebration of Tradition' A Gala Event Gathering Warner Bros. Stars on June 2, 1990 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke attending 9th Annual MacLaren Children's Center Benefit on March 10, 1990 at Henry Winkler's home in Toluca Lake, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke attending 'Hollywood Stars Night Baseball Game' on August 22, 1992 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke and date Julie Tovilar attending the world premiere of 'The Bodyguard' on November 23, 1992 at Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO -- Episode 646
Pictured: Actor Alan Thicke, host Jay Leno during an interview on March 6, 1995.
(Photo by: Margaret Norton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Alan Thicke drives a ball during the Lexus Challenge held at La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, California. Mandatory
(Jon Cuban /Allsport)
Actor Alan Thicke attending the premiere of 'G.I. Jane' on August 6, 1997 at Mann Village Theater in Westwood, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Alan Thicke and Jason Alexander in dress rehearsal of 'Promises, Promises,' a musical at the Freud Playhouse at UCLA. Photo Iris Schneider.
(Photo by Iris Schneider/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Actor Alan Thicke and son Carter Thicke attending the premiere of 'Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle' on June 24, 2000 at Loew's Universal Cinema in Universal City, California.
(Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
Alan Thicke during 'Me, Myself & Irene' Los Angeles Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, United States.
(Photo by SGranitz/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke skates at the opening of the Universal CityWalk Ice Rink on November 29, 2002 in Universal City , California. The rink will be open to the public through January 5, 2003.
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Actor Alan Thicke attends the Los Angeles premiere of 'Pinocchio' on December 22, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. The film opens in theaters nationwide on Wednesday December 25, 2002.
(Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)
Actor/producer Alan Thicke and model Tanya Callau pose after being married on May 7, 2005 at The One&Only Pamilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
(Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Alan Thicke, Tanya Callou, Paula Patton and Robin Thicke attends the Opening Night at the 40/40 Club in Las Vegas, NV December 30, 2007.
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke poses for photographs with his 2008 Jaguar XJ outside his home in Carpinteria, December 1, 2011.
(Photo by Ann Johansson/Corbis via Getty Images)
'I'm In The Band' on Disney XD.
(Photo by Bruce Birmelin/Disney XD via Getty Images)
Hoda Kotb and Alan Thicke appear on NBC News' 'Today' show
(Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Actor Alan Thicke and Pharrell Williams attend the Qream Launch Party on July 14, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Alan Thicke attends the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Celebrity Dinner in BESO At Crystals at CityCenter on March 31, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Photo by Chris Weeks/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke and recording artist Robin Thicke attend The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! Countdown to Music's Biggest Night at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on December 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Charley Gallay/WireImage)
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Carole Radziwill and Alan Thicke
(Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Actors Charlie Sheen and Alan Thicke attend the Joe Carter Classic Charity Golf Tournament after-party at Shangri-La Hotel on June 26, 2014 in Toronto, Canada.
(Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke attends the 2013 Summer TCA Party for the Hallmark Channel's on July 8, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.
(Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
Alan Thicke attends the Dodgers' Hollywood Stars Night Game at Dodger Stadium on June 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Noel Vasquez/GC Images)
Actor Flex Alexander, producer Tony Cornelius, actor Alan Thicke and actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer attend the second annual Coach Woodson Las Vegas Invitational pairings party at the Lavo Restaurant & Nightclub at The Palazzo Las Vegas on July 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for PGD Global)
Alan Thicke arrives for the 'Cool Comedy - Hot Cuisine' benefit for the Scleroderma Research Foundation at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 5, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
(Photo by Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic)
Actor Alan Thicke and wife Tanya Callau arrive at the premiere of STX Entertainment's 'Bad Moms' at Mann Village Theatre on July 26, 2016 in Westwood, California.
(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Actor Alan Thicke arrives for the Comedy Central Roast Of Rob Lowe at Sony Studios on August 27, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
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"He loved his family so much," Gloria Loring, who co-wrote many of Thicke's most famous TV jingles, told ET on Wednesday. "He was the centerpiece to our family and I can't imagine going forward. We always had Thanksgiving and Christmas with the big, extended family, and I just can't imagine how it's going to be without him."
See more from Loring's ET interview in the video below.
