Linda Lavin at the premiere of No Good Deed in Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 2024. Photo:
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Linda Lavin opened up about her “flowing” career just three weeks before her death.
The actress — who died on Sunday, Dec. 29, at age 87 — spoke with PEOPLE during the premiere of Netflix’s No Good Deed in Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 25 days before her death, where she was asked about doing more in Hollywood as of late.
“That’s pretty much where the career is flowing right now,” said Lavin, who played the neighbor character Phyllis in No 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.”
About No Good Deed, the Tony Award winner 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 of No Good Deed in Los Angeles on Dec. 4, 2024. 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,” the Alice alum 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.”
The actress began appearing on Broadway in the ‘60s and won a Tony in 1987 for Broadway Bound, while continuing to appear on TV and in film. Just a few weeks before her death, Lavin had both been promoting No Good Deed and filming her upcoming Hulu series Mid-Century Modern.
Linda Lavin in New York City on May 20, 2015. Slaven Vlasic/Getty
Following the news of Lavin’s death, No Good Deed‘s creator and showrunner, Liz Feldman, posted a sweet tribute to the actress on Instagram.
“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 on 9JKL all those years ago. I just loved YOU. Being around you. In your magnetic orbit.”
She went on to say getting “to collaborate again on No Good Deed was 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 ago at the premiere and 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 of No 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. 🩷”
