Actor Alan Thicke has died suddenly aged 69, after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday.

Thicke was best known for his role as Dr Jason Seaver in sitcom ‘Growing Pains’ and had also appeared on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and more recently Netflix's ‘Fuller House’.

Alan ThickeActor Alan Thicke (pictured with wife Tanya) has died aged 69

The news of Thicke’s death was first reported by TMZ. According to the news site the actor suffered a heart attack while playing hockey with his 19-year-old son Cater. 

He was transported to Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center in Burbank, California at around noon local time and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Just hours before his death Thicke had tweeted his excitement over the second season of Netflix’s ‘Fuller House.’ “Season 2 Fuller House looking good,” he wrote. "I even like the ones I'm not in! #fullerhouse @fullhouseguy @bobsaget @candacecbure #netflix." 

Thicke is survived by his wife Tanya and his three children, ‘Blurred Lines’ singer Robin Thicke and younger sons Carter and Brennan.

Born in Ontario, Canada, Thicke also worked as a writer and a composer alongside his acting career. He composed the theme tunes for TV shows including ‘The Facts of Life’ and the original theme for ‘The Wheel of Fortune’.

As news of his untimely death broke, friends and colleagues took to Twitter to express their sadness.

"So sad is the passing of Alan Thicke. Such a good husband, father, brother, and friend," Thicke’s ‘Fuller House’ co-star Bob Saget tweeted. "He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace dear Alan.”

William Shatner wrote: "Saddened over the loss of my friend Alan. Condolences to his family.” Actress Paula Patton, who was married to Thicke’s son Robin, shared a poem by Mother Theresa, alongside a heart emoji.

The actor’s youngest son Carter, tweeted a photo of himself alongside his father and wrote: "Today I lost my best friend and my idol, and the world lost one of it's finest. You are a legend and I love you Pops. Until next time”.