Linda Lavin Raved About Her 'Flowing' Career and 'Full Life' in PEOPLE Interview 3 Weeks Before Her Death (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Linda Lavin at the premiere ofNo Good Deedin Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 2024.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Linda Lavinopened up about her “flowing” career just three weeks before her death.

“That’s pretty much where the career is flowing right now,” said Lavin, who played the neighbor character Phyllis inNo Good Deed. “And I did a play a couple of years ago in New York, almost two years ago, so that recently, off-Broadway, and it was a limited run, which I enjoy.”

AboutNo Good Deed, theTony Awardwinner added, “It doesn’t matter about the medium for me. If it had been a play, I would’ve said yes, but I still would’ve liked a limited run.”

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Linda Lavin and husband Steve Bakunas at the premiere ofNo Good Deedin Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 2024.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

During the premiere, Lavin also reflected on finding inspiration for her roles from her everyday life, telling PEOPLE, “As an actor, I like to expose myself through the character.”

“I have a wonderful life, a wonderful husband [Steve Bakunas] who’s standing over there and I have a very rich and full life and I’m happy to show up. I’m thrilled to show up at this time in my life. I’m really grateful,” theAlicealum added.

PEOPLE confirmed Lavin’s death on Sunday, with her representative saying in a statement that she “passed unexpectedly due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer.”

Linda Lavin in New York City on May 20, 2015.Slaven Vlasic/Getty

Slaven Vlasic/Getty

“Oh sweet, brilliant, talented, beautiful @linda_lavin 🩷,” began Feldman, 47. “Getting to work with you once was an honor and a joy. I loved writing for you on9JKLall those years ago. I just loved YOU. Being around you. In your magnetic orbit.”

She went on to say getting “to collaborate again onNo Good Deedwas simply a gift,” continuing, “You were, as always, incredibly gracious, totally hilarious and pitch perfect. Ready to play and full of life. Your warmth and kindness was unparalleled. I just loved you. We all did.”

“I’m so glad I got to see you a few weeks agoat the premiereand introduce you to my parents. They were thrilled to meet you,” Feldman added. “And my father made it very clear to me that you were his favorite part ofNo Good Deed. He wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Thank you for letting me into your stunning orbit. And for allowing me to spin with you for a while. 🩷”

source: people.com