Philip McKeon is well-known to those who have seen Alice, where he portrayed Tommy Hyatt; Insight, where he played Tommy Russell; Fantasy Island, where he depicted Raymond Koster; and The Love Boat, where he played Gary Atkins. Born and raised in Westbury, New York, McKeon started as a print model at the age of 4 before landing his TV and movie roles. He later directed and produced films and worked as a radio host.
Sadly, he passed away on December 10, 2019, in a Texas hospital after a prolonged illness, at the age of 55. Here’s more about his life, family, and career that you need to know.
Philip McKeon’s Biography
Philip McKeon was born on November 11, 1964, in Westbury, New York, to Barbara and travel agent Donald McKeon. He was their eldest child and only son. He grew up in Westbury alongside his younger sister, Nancy McKeon, who is known for her roles as Jo Polniaczek on the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life (1979-1988) and Inspector Jinny Exstead on The Division (2001-2004).
Philip and Nancy shared a strong bond that went beyond family ties and extended to their professional careers. They started early in the entertainment industry with the support of their parents. At the ages of 4 and 2, respectively, their parents took them to a modeling audition, which marked the beginning of their modeling careers. Philip appeared in magazines, newspapers, and TV commercials.
In addition to modeling, he excelled in sports, particularly baseball. In 1975, at 11, he played Little League Baseball in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, alongside future professional basketball player Benoit Benjamin.
After his early modeling career, he transitioned to acting and later worked as a radio host.
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McKeon’s Career On Broadway, Film/TV and Radio
The Westbury native, Philip McKeon, wore many hats in the American entertainment industry. At 10, he appeared in the Broadway performance of Medea and Jason (1974). During this performance, American actress and singer Linda Lavin noticed his talent and intelligence. She recommended him for a part in the CBS sitcom Alice, which was loosely based on Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
McKeon was cast as Tommy Hyatt in Alice, a role he played from the series premiere in 1976, when he was 12, until the show ended in 1985, when he was 21. He grew from a child to an adult on the show, appearing in more than half (108) of its 202 episodes.
After Alice ended, McKeon appeared in other primetime series such as CHiPs (1979), Fantasy Island (1984), and The Love Boat (1984). Outside of TV, he had roles in Sandman (1993), Ghoulies IV (1994), and Return to Horror High (1987).
McKeon transitioned from acting to working behind the camera as a producer and director. He was credited as a co-producer for The Jacket (2005), The Young Unknowns (2000), Murder in the First (1995), and Teresa’s Tattoo (1994).
In addition to his film and TV work, McKeon spent several years hosting his own radio show in Wimberley, Texas. He also worked in the news division at KFWB News in Los Angeles for 10 years.
He Passed Away In December 2019, But The Cause Of His Death Remains Unknown
On December 10, 2019, the news of Philip McKeon’s death shocked the entertainment world. He died after a long illness in a Texas hospital at the age of 55. However, the cause of his death remains a mystery, as no family member or spokesperson has disclosed it.
A statement from the family spokesperson, Jeff Ballard, 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.
Following his passing, several of his colleagues in the industry sent their condolences, including Ms. Lavin, who discovered him in the 1970s. She described him as an endearing and loving boy, always eager to connect with others. She also mentioned that their time performing together created a relationship that made their connection very real and deep.
Was He Married To Anyone While Alive?
While McKeon was alive, he didn’t discuss his love life, so the media couldn’t gather any information about it. As a result, it remains a mystery to this day.
His obituary announcement, published on Legacy.com, revealed that he was survived by his mother, Barbara, and his only sister, Nancy. There was no mention of any partner or child.
