Linda Lavin, a Tony Award-winning stage actor who became a working-class icon through her portrayal of a paper-hat wearing waitress on the TV sitcom "Alice", has died at the age of 87. Lavin passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday due to complications from recently diagnosed lung cancer, her representative confirmed to various media outlets including AP News and HuffPost.

A remarkable talent on Broadway, Lavin made her mark in Hollywood in the mid-1970s, landing the lead role in the CBS sitcom inspired by Martin Scorsese's film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," which earned Ellen Burstyn an Oscar. The show, simply titled "Alice," garnered immense popularity from 1976 to 1985, with Lavin portraying Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother working in a roadside diner outside of Phoenix. She also performed the theme song "There's a New Girl in Town." The show turned the phrase “Kiss my grits” into a cultural catchphrase, featuring co-stars such as Polly Holliday and Vic Tayback as well.

After struggling in the show's early years, it found its footing and was a top-10 hit in the primetime ratings for four out of five seasons, affirmed The Guardian.

In 1987, Lavin solidified her theatrical prowess with a Tony Award for Best Actress for her role in Neil Simon's “Broadway Bound.” Even in her late years, she remained active, promoting new roles in productions like No Good Deed and filming for Mid-Century Modern.

Born in Portland, Maine, she relocated to New York City to chase her acting dreams after attending the College of William and Mary. Lavin's first big break came via Hal Prince, who cast her in the Broadway musical “It’s a Bird ... It’s a Plane ... It’s Superman.” A multi-talented performer, she not only captured audiences on Broadway but also in acclaimed television roles, such as a recurring spot on "Barney Miller." Lavin went on to star in various other productions, including a Broadway revival of “Follies” and her acclaimed performance in “Collected Stories,” for which Michael Kuchwara of the AP praised her as delivering a "complete, nuanced performance."

During her lifetime, Lavin also ventured into film, starring alongside Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd in “Wanderlust.” She also released her debut album in 2011 titled Possibilities. Lavin was not only a beloved actress but also a mentor, famously stating, "I say that what happened for me was that work brings work,” emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience in the industry.

Lavin and her third husband, Steve Bakunas, established the Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina, contributing to the local artistic community by staging various notable productions since its inception in 2007.

Her impact on film, television, and theater is celebrated, and she is remembered as one of the greats in the arts community. Lavin's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of performers. For additional coverage on her life and career, check CBS News.