t’s been a long and winding road for actor Alan Thicke from his birthplace in Kirkland Lake, Ontario to living now in star-studded
Hollywood. Thicke, now 67, has been an actor, talk show host, songwriter, beauty pageant host, writer, comedian and producer in his varied career. He is probably best known internationally for his Emmy award nominated role as psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver in NBC’s hit sitcom Growing Pains. It’s still his favourite role of any he has played.
“That was a character that wasn’t much of a stretch for me. That was pretty close to who I am,” Thicke says proudly. “It made my life good that role. It came after a devastating cancellation of my talk show (Thicke of the Night on ABC).”
These days Thicke is taking on the role of his life – in fact his life. Thicke played himself in his new 14-part realty television series, Unusually Thicke, which has been airing on the Slice Network in Canada. It has just been renewed for a second season. Starring in the series alongside him is his third and stunningly beautiful wife Tanya Callau who he married in a romance laden ceremony in Los Cabos. His 16-year old son Carter (from his second wife) lives at home with Thicke and Callau. Thicke has two other sons, Brenna and Robin, from his first wife Gloria Loring. With talented parents like that no surprise Robin is now one of the most popular recording artists in the world.
“We describe the show as the first family sitcom that is actually a family,” Thicke says. “We want to tell stories that are real life with a sitcom plot structure. This is the first time I have exposed myself to real life scrutiny.”
Though enjoying the glamorous life in Hollywood Thicke has never lost his Canadian roots or identity. He is a passionate hockey fan and has passed along that to his children. Thicke is not afraid to put on the blades with the best of them – including his buddy, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Hockey is front and centre in his most prized collection - dozens of hockey jerseys he has accumulated over the years.
“My biggest collection is hockey jerseys from every (charity) event I have ever participated in from cities big and small all over North America,” Thicke explains as he fondly recalls past jerseys he has worn and received. “I have a hockey jersey that reminds me of everywhere I have been. A sentimental favourite would be from my hometown – a jersey from the Kirkland Lake Blue Devils. I also have a couple from the NHL All-Star game back in the late 1980s with my name and number.”
Matt Barnes/Courtesy of Slice Network
Matt Barnes/Courtesy of Slice Network
Fulfilling Life’s Many Roles
By Chris Ryall
Alan Thicke
22 | Spa Life E-Magazine Summer 2014
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