Philip McKeon, the former child star who played Tommy Hyatt on the sitcom Alice, passed away on December 10, 2019, at the age of 55. His death shocked and saddened many fans and celebrities who remembered him for his talent and kindness. But what was the cause of his death? And did he suffer from cancer, as some rumors suggested? Here is what we know so far about Philip McKeon’s illness and cause of death.
A Longtime Illness
According to his family spokesperson, Jeff Ballard, Philip McKeon died after a long battle with an unspecified illness. Ballard did not reveal the name or the nature of the illness, but he said that McKeon had been in and out of the hospital for the past several months. He also said that McKeon’s family was by his side when he died in Texas, where he had moved to be closer to them.
Ballard’s statement read: “We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil’s passing. His wonderful sense of humor, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life.” Ballard also thanked the fans and friends who had supported McKeon throughout his career and his illness.
No Official Confirmation of Cancer
Some media outlets and websites speculated that Philip McKeon had cancer, based on some vague clues and assumptions. For example, some sources pointed out that McKeon had lost a lot of weight in his recent photos, which could be a sign of cancer. Others noted that McKeon’s father, Donald McKeon, had died of cancer in October 2019, just two months before Philip’s death. They suggested that Philip might have inherited the same disease from his father.
However, there is no official confirmation or evidence that Philip McKeon died of cancer. His family spokesperson did not mention cancer as the cause of his death, nor did his sister, Nancy McKeon, or any other relatives or friends. Nancy McKeon, who is also a former child star and best known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on The Facts of Life, only said that her brother had been fighting a “tough” illness for a long time. She also paid tribute to him on social media, calling him her “big brother” and her “hero”.
A Legacy Beyond Alice
Philip McKeon was born on November 11, 1964, in Westbury, New York. He started his acting career at the age of four, appearing in commercials and modeling for magazines. He got his big break when he was cast as Tommy Hyatt, the son of the titular character Alice Hyatt, on the CBS sitcom Alice. The show was based on the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, directed by Martin Scorsese. McKeon played the role from 1976 to 1985, earning popularity and praise for his performance.
After Alice ended, McKeon continued to act in various TV shows and movies, such as Return to Horror High, The Love Boat, Amazing Stories, and Sandman. He also worked behind the scenes as a producer and director, producing films such as Teresa’s Tattoo and Murder in the First. He also hosted his own radio show in Los Angeles and worked as a news reporter for KFWB News 98.
Philip McKeon was a versatile and talented actor, producer, and radio personality. He was also a kind and loyal person who touched many lives with his humor and generosity. He will be missed by his family, friends, and fans. May he rest in peace.
