Child star Philip McKeon, best known as Tommy Hyatt on the CBS sitcom "Alice," has died at age 55.
Family spokesman Jeff Ballard confirmed the news to People, explaining that McKeon had long been suffering from an illness to which he finally succumbed on Tuesday morning in Texas.
"We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil’s passing," Ballard said in a statement. "His wonderful sense of humor, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life."
McKeon was just 12-years-old when he shot to fame after being cast in "Alice," a sitcom based on Martin Scorsese's 1974 movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" that ran from 1976 to 1985.
The show went on to win eight Golden Globes and secured the child star a career in showbiz. He appeared in several television shows including "Fantasy Island" and "The Love Boat" and acted, directed, and produced a number of films.
McKeon also dabbled in media, working in the news department of the Los Angeles based station KFWB News 98 before going on to host his own radio show.
News of McKeon's death prompted a flood of tributes. Among them was a heartfelt message from Charlie Sheen posted to Twitter.
"Over the past few decades, he was always a perfect gentleman and an ebullient spirit," Sheen wrote, adding that McKeon's goofy smile "was pure gold."
"r.i.p. young man. much much too soon, you cut out," he added.
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