Printable Biography of Alan Thicke

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Alan Thicke, best known as “Jason Seaver” from ABC’s hit television series, GROWING PAINS, is a man of many talents.  He is an actor, television personality, author, keynote speaker and event host, writer/producer, and composer. Alan has earned a Golden Globe “Best Actor” nomination and seven Emmy Award nominations including two for acting and five for writing.

ACTOR:  In addition to GROWING PAINS, now syndicated in over 65 countries, Alan starred as “Dennis Dupree” on the NBC series HOPE & GLORIA, and has guest starred in countless episodes of hit TV comedy series ranging from HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, JUST SHOOT ME, ARLISS, SON OF THE BEACH, MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, HALF ‘N HALF, and MY WIFE AND KIDS, to YES DEAR, SEVENTH HEAVEN, and THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW.  He has made numerous appearances in dramatic roles including the popular series MURDER SHE WROTE, BURKE’S LAW, MATLOCK, and OUTER LIMITS.

His TV movies and feature film appearances include Paramount’s THE GOODS: LIVE HARD, SELL HARD with Jeremy Piven and Will Ferrell, Disney’s NOT QUITE HUMAN, THE CALENDAR GIRL MURDERS, WINDSOR PROTOCOL,  RUBDOWN,  ANY PLACE BUT HOME,  OBSESSED,  BETRAYAL OF THE DOVE, ICE ANGEL, CROSSROADS, TEDDY BEAR’S PICNIC, National Lampoon’s ROBODOC and, of course, THE GROWING PAINS FAMILY REUNION movies.

As a stage actor, Alan received rave reviews opposite Jason Alexander in the Neil Simon/Burt Bacharach musical PROMISES, PROMISES and for his Broadway debut as “Billy Flynn” in CHICAGO, followed by the National Tour of that company.

TELEVISION PERSONALITY:  As one of America’s most sought-after on air personalities, Alan has hosted numerous reality series including ABC’s ANIMAL CRACK-UPS, the Emmy-nominated PICTIONARY, A&E’s TRAVELQUEST, Game Show Network’s ALL NEW 3’s A CROWD, and Animal Planet’s MIRACLE PETS.  He has also hosted numerous TV specials including THE EMMY AWARDS, the MISS UNIVERSE, MISS WORLD USA, and MISS USA Pageants, ABC’s DISNEY CHRISTMAS and EASTER PARADES, ABC’s OLYMPIC KICK-OFF GALA, CBC’s NHL AWARDS, ABC’s and NBC’s FALL PREVIEW SPECIALS,  SHOWTIME’S COMEDY ALL-STARS, TV’s FUNNIEST FAMILIES and NBC’s WORLD’S GREATEST MAGIC.

From 1980 to 1983, THE ALAN THICKE SHOW became, and remains, the biggest hit in the history of Canadian daytime television.  The American late-night entry THICKE OF THE NIGHT followed.

AUTHOR, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND EVENT HOST: Alan’s two humor books are HOW TO RAISE KIDS WHO WON’T HATE YOU published by I-Universe, and HOW MEN HAVE BABIES: The Pregnant Father’s Survival Guide, a perennial favorite since its release in 1999 and now translated into Spanish, German, and Chinese and published by Jodere.  Alan’s recorded version won an AUDIE AWARD, the Oscar equivalent for Books-On-Tape.

Alan’s distinctive charm and humor have established him as one of America’s most sought after keynote speakers.  As a celebrity and humorist, he motivates people through FAMILY ISSUES, HEALTHCARE ISSUES, SOCIAL TRENDS, and SPORTS.  He has spoken to a wide range of audiences including IBM, Ford, RE/MAX, Borland Technologies, Slim-Fast, Utah Governor’s Conference, Humana Hospitals, OrthoBiotech Industries, Des Moines Medical Society, Miami Health Day, Sacramento Earth Day, Toronto Dominion Bank, and the Masons Convention in Las Vegas.
 
As a headliner and event host, Alan has played the main Vegas showrooms of the Hilton, Desert Inn and Sands, as well as Atlantic City’s Resorts International, Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York, the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut, and numerous cruise ships.  He has hosted live corporate events for Borden, Hormel, Nestle, Mattel, Baskin-Robbins, Brite-Smile, the Tournament Golf Association, California’s Building Industry, Atlanta’s Real Estate Conference, The Chiropractic Centennial Celebration, and the Montreal Comedy Festival’s JUST FOR LAUGHS.

WRITER/PRODUCER:  Alan has written sitcoms for Castle Rock, Warner Bros., and Viacom, and the feature film scripts NOONE HOUR for Steve Tisch Productions, BEAUTY QUEENS MUST DIE for Allegro Films and TRAVELS WITH DAD for TVA.  His television career began behind the scenes as a writer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.  That talent soon led Alan to the U.S. where he wrote and/or produced comedy specials and series for BILL COSBY, FLIP WILSON, KENNY ROGERS, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, ANNE MURRAY, and BARRY MANILOW.  He wrote and produced the revolutionary comedies FERNWOOD 2NIGHT and AMERICA 2NIGHT for Norman Lear. He was Executive Producer for the NBC Movie of the Week, THE SECRET SHE CARRIED.

Alan’s background in game shows is extensive.  He produced CELEBRITY SWEEPSTAKES and WIZARD OF ODDS, launching the career of his friend Alex Trebek.

COMPOSER:  “WHEEL OF FORTUNE” and “THE JOKER’S WILD” are among over 45 television theme songs composed by Alan, including “FACTS OF LIFE” and “DIFF’RENT STROKES.”

Of all his accomplishments, Alan’s proudest role remains father to his three sons, Brennan, Robin, and Carter.

Program Topics
 
  How to Raise Kids Who Won't Hate You
 
  Coping with Cancer, Diabetes, & Alcoholism 
 
  Connected by Cancer 
 
  The Pregnant Father's Survival Guide