Nancy McKeon's brother Philip McKeon passes away at 55

['80sSitcoms]

I was shocked to find this out tonight. Very sad "Facts"-related news. Here is what fellow SitcomsOnline member Zoneboy posted on the "Alice" board in the '70s section:

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https://people.com/tv/philip-mckeon-dies-at-age-55/

Child actor Philip McKeon has died. He was 55.

After battling a longtime illness, he died Tuesday morning in Texas, family spokesman Jeff Ballard confirmed to PEOPLE.

“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.”

The elder brother of Facts of Life actress Nancy McKeon, Philip is best known for his role as Tommy Hyatt on Alice, in which he starred opposite Linda Lavin from 1976-1985. The CBS sitcom was based on Martin Scorsese’s 1974 rom-com Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, in which Alfred Lutter played the titular character Alice Hyatt’s son Tommy. However, Philip replaced Lutter after the pilot.

Following his role on the sitcom, he worked at Los Angeles station KFWB News 98 in its news department for 10 years before later moving to Wimberly, Texas, where he hosted his own radio show and relocated to be closer to family. His other credits include the 1987 slasher film Return to Horror High and appearances on CHiPs, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat.

Philip is survived by Nancy and his mother, Barbara.

[Mr. Television]

So very sad. He was a year older than me. It's sad when people you grew up with die. 55 is far too young.

['80sSitcoms]

Yes, it is. I have an older sister, and Nancy had an older bother. I always thought it was kinda neat they had a brother/sister relationship while my sister and I had one too (despite the birth order being switched).

I love how you could see from interviews how much they genuinely enjoyed each other's company and really got along so well. They were a terrific role model for brother/sister relationships.

Love to you Nancy, your family, and all of Philip's loved ones.

[Lorimar Television]

So sad! Didnt Julie Pie date him?

[MA]

This is really sad, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy.

[lakesgirl]

Sad. Too young.

['80sSitcoms]

https://people.com/tv/nancy-mckeon-t...-before-death/

Nancy McKeon is reeling after the death of her beloved brother, fellow child star Philip McKeon.

Philip, 55, died Tuesday morning after a battle with a long illness. A source tells PEOPLE that the Facts of Life actress is struggling to come to terms with the unimaginable loss.

“She’s devastated. She and Philip were very, very close,” the source says. “The whole family is going to cling together and find comfort in each other during this time. My heart goes out to them.”

Philip’s death comes less than two months after their father, Donald McKeon, died in October.

Just weeks before Philip’s death, Nancy, 53, dedicated a heartfelt birthday tribute to Philip, thanking him for his support during the “tough time.”

“A huge happy birthday to my big brother!!” she wrote on Nov. 11. “It’s been a tough time lately… but as we’ve always said…we’ll get through it together…love you Dude….and as always… our humble thanks to all our veterans.”

McKeon spokesman Jeff Ballard confirmed Philip’s death to PEOPLE in a statement Tuesday.

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

Philip is best known for his role as Tommy Hyatt on Alice, in which he starred opposite Linda Lavin from 1976-1985. The CBS sitcom was based on Martin Scorsese’s 1974 rom-com Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, in which Alfred Lutter played the titular character Alice Hyatt’s son Tommy. However, Philip replaced Lutter after the pilot.

Following his role on the sitcom, he worked at Los Angeles station KFWB News 98 in its news department for 10 years before later moving to Wimberly, Texas, where he hosted his own radio show and relocated to be closer to family.

[AB]

Rest in peace.

[RetroGuy2000]

So, so sorry to hear this. I know Nancy and Philip were always close, and he was just too young to die. I imagine this is why she appeared only briefly in the Lifetime TV movie, as anything more would have taken her away from her family during a difficult time.


RIP, "Tommy"!

Originally Posted by Lorimar Television

So sad! Didnt Julie Pie date him?

She did. People Magazine has covered some of the social media tributes, including Mindy, Kim, and Julie Pie's comments in support of Nancy and tributes to Philip. Just so sad.

['80sSitcoms]

Such a sweet sentiment from Julie.

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['80sSitcoms]

And Kim too, thanks to Retro's link (I had shared Julie's post just before I noticed the link).

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['80sSitcoms]

It amazed me when I realized that Philip McKeon lived longer than Jim Henson.

Wow.

[Smartboy]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

It amazed me when I realized that Philip McKeon lived longer than Jim Henson.

Wow.

That is a very interesting comparison my friend!

[RetroGuy2000]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

Such a sweet sentiment from Julie.

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It really is a nice tribute. And now I wonder who all was the "us" in the House in Burbank.


Obviously, Tommy, Nancy, and Julie Pie herself. But it might have extended to Lisa, Tom Mapother (Cruise), who Julie has spoken of, 18th birthday cake-eaters Julie Anne, Mindy, Felice, and Melissa Gilbert, and also Kim (who wasn't in the cake-eating photo, but who was nonetheless very tight with Julie).

[RetroGuy2000]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

It amazed me when I realized that Philip McKeon lived longer than Jim Henson.

Wow.

That's crazy to think of. Jim Henson, with his gray beard, seemed far older.