‘Growing Pains’ Kids Still Miss Their TV Dad, Alan Thicke | TODAY

Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold and Jeremy Miller, who played Seaver kids Mike, Carol and Ben on the iconic sitcom “Growing Pains,” join TODAY for the latest edition of our series “Reunited TODAY.” They tell Savannah Guthrie they all miss Alan Thicke, who played their dad: “He was like a father to all of us,” Cameron says.
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‘Growing Pains’ Kids Still Miss Their TV Dad, Alan Thicke | TODAY

[@slanetroyard92]

Back when sitcoms taught life lessons

[@ZZ-jh7im]

Awww...Jeremy Miller seems like he grew into an awesome, positive, happy man! Love it, such s good vibe from him.😊

[@bradfordmcdermott2063]

Z Z he like kirk is now a christian. Its Jesus in him that u notice

[@PhilGeissler]

I agree, Jeremy seems like an awesome guy!

[@joshmg25]

Z Z He’s taller than Kirk now.

[@BAM2384]

Jeremy is a chef too

[@american_cosmic]

@@bradfordmcdermott2063 I'm sure he'd be doing just fine without him.

[@tmm226]

One of the best theme songs for a sitcom!!

[@garylopez1632]

Sang by Alan Thicke too

[@salbazaz7261]

It’s not even a contest. I remember having to brush my teeth because that was the last show I would watch before I go to bed, but I would wait for the theme song to be over and then run to the bathroom and brush my teeth so I can get back before the commercials are over

[@JOVONO]

@@garylopez1632 no it was performed by BJ Thomas and Dusty Springfield The theme for Diff'rent Strokes was written and performed by Alan Thicke and the theme for the Facts of Life was also written by Thicke but no the growing Pains theme was BJ Thomas

[@siobhanmurphy4912]

@@JOVONO BJ THOMAS and JENNIFER WARNE actually. Jennifer sang Up Where We Belong with Joe Cocker and sang the main song from Dirty Dancing.

[@PurpleRain500]

@@salbazaz7261What a great memory to have! 😆💜 Was that during the original run, or reruns?

[@DINOLOVER6717]

This show was such a “feel good” show! It dealt with some super serious issues but what a great show for all of us as kids/teens

[@rafaelsale6364]

Back when TV famiy sitcoms shows were heartfelt, brought morals and gave life lessons.

[@randomuser5914]

Awww Jeremy Miller will always be little Ben. Tracy went through so much, I remember when she left to deal with her eating disorder.

[@greggdonnelly2836]

I just got done watching the episodes where she was overseas as part of writing her off the show while she was dealing with her eating disorder

[@moccalou]

And then she got arrested on DUI around 2004. I think she actually crashed her car with her husband and kids in it.

[@noahpartic7586]

They still got the smiles even today. RIP Alan Thicke😭.

[@vitd5283]

he was a good tv dad - who is next bob saget

[@salbazaz7261]

How great is Kirk Cameron, he totally did not hog the interview even though he’s the biggest star and he completely let the other two have their say. He never interrupted them. The guy is really class act

[@dmangelsm1188]

It surprised me because Kirk is supposed to have this negative rep, but he seems like a genuinely decent guy (all 3 seem genuinely decent).

[@libraslight8758]

cause he still gets attemtion other two dont lol

[@DeanStrickson]

Kirk Cameron is a star? When did that happen?

[@dickiegreenleaf750]

Star?? 😂. He was in one show

[@salbazaz7261]

@@dickiegreenleaf750 , that means nothing, so was Henry Winkler, but the Fonz was huge. Kirk was one of the biggest teen idols of the 80’s. It’s not even a question as to whether he was a star.

[@crysb5099]

Aw, loved this as a kid. Life was different - wholesome. Miss this era

[@mshavisham8964]

Yes and the language that is allowed to be used on TV today is criminal. You wouldn't have heard anything but vocabulary usage back then instead of d**k or the new one that's all over now that I loathe, d**che**g. I mean seriously when is that ever ok to say on non cable TV?? I loved those shows and my parents didn't need to worry what I might hear thanks to the FCC who would fine/punish shows and stations. But it's ok to say c**t. Give me strength!

[@holyexperience1976]

@@mshavisham8964 I'm glad I am naturally not a tv or movie person for many years now. You cannot even put youth in front of Disney or Nick without supervision since my son was a tot ( now nearing 19 ). It is not about language there, but innapropriate scenes, like once in iCarly, a flying bra ghost. In DeGrassi: Next Generation, an 8th grade boy bought a thingie to enlarge his **cough cough** something males have but females don't. But DeGrassi is a Canadian show, and who knows, allows more scandalous stuff than American tv, but still, that ep was allowed in America. I'm a '76er, so grateful I grew up with family friendly shows and youth programming that was not limited to early elementary or younger to be appropriate.

[@Mike-zy8in]

Go KZbin - are you a good person by living waters

[@teddyjam8134]

I'm so glad I grew up in the 70s and 80s especially the 80s they were the best. Most of TV today is nothing but trash. I watch TV shows from the 80s.

[@doctorfeinstone6524]

Watching the wrong channels then

[@Danny-fs1hk]

👍

[@David_Theisen]

The Goldbergs are one of the best newer shows

[@rachelc3535]

And in the 80's people were saying the same thing and wishing for 50's and 60's tv.

[@KatarinaS.]

@@David_Theisen The Middle was good

[@genaeyoung180]

I had Kirk Cameron posters all over my wall- lol

[@lostcrazedbeetlebeetle6198]

😁😎

[@PerezRivera65]

Genae Young me too lol

[@chrisq1177]

What did your friends think about that?

[@ellefleming5113]

He was my first serious crush. I was 13

[@craigsmith157]

@@chrisq1177 Her female friends probably had posters of him on their walls, too.

[@drumr72]

Tracy's reaction to Sandy's (Mathew Perry) death was breathtaking. Some of the best acting PERIOD I have ever seen. That one really got to me.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

Agreed

[@PurpleRain500]

It’s in a league of its own. It’ll always be with me because it was called “Second Chance” and proved that we don’t always get one. Most of all, ironically, the first time I saw it was in the wee hours of April 21, 2016. The day Prince died. I was gutted and I’m still broken. 🙏🏾💜🤦🏾‍♂️

[@american_cosmic]

I remember that being somewhat of a traumatic episode for me... I was really young when I saw it, and it left a big mark on me. Just stellar acting and writing.

[@amygonzales9146]

Kirk Cameron!! 😍😍 He still looks good 💖💖💖

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

They all look good!

[@AnitaD28]

They all look great. Kirk is such a gentleman.

[@dmangelsm1188]

He's always reminded me of my uncle-they are the same age & have a similar personality. At only 6 yrs older than me I got to have the cool, young uncle "Mike" growing up.

[@Nick-NY]

I grew up with the Seavers. I loved that show.

[@lisalemponen2671]

I'm so glad that Tracy looks so wonderful and I'm really really happy that she is overcome her issues that she had with the anorexia it's a terrible disease and I'm sure she still struggles every day God bless her and she looks absolutely amazing

[@Chericherry4]

Classy Kirk didn't take over the interview responses. Respect.

[@KristenHammerback-pk5wy]

For once. I'm sure his PR people told him to hang back on the "ALL OF YOU SINNERS WILL BURN FOREVER AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN... LEFT BEHIND.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Ha Ha Ha - Kirk actually can't WAIT for that to happen). Doesn't sit well with some of us.

[@jaydenlynn9391]

Super 80's flash back. They all look the same lol. Rip mr thick

[@jamesanderson6373]

*thicke

[@ladyarh7778]

Growing Pains one of the greats!!!!!

[@beep7]

Notice how Kirk let the others speak. They get less interviews/publicity than he does.

[@robertsleeth861]

Bee P Yep. Noticed that too. Good guy. Wow, they still look the same but just older.

[@JaysonT1]

Bee P I spotted that too.

[@RainerK.]

Yeah, the others aren't crazy, raving lunatics that make headlines.

[@jusssayin480]

Because Kirk is a homophobic bigot!

[@elisefincher4478]

Juss Sayin how does kirk's imo strict religious stance play into him letting his castmates speak?

[@cami42874]

I miss Alan he was the best tv dad

[@billmuir6074]

Camille Coopersmith I miss hearing his speaking voice. Loved the tone of it.

[@Chewbecca101]

Cliff Huxtable never even hugged his own children, and rarely nurtured them in any way. My vote is for Steven Keaton, lol. But definitely Jason Seaver was awesome. I loved growing up in the 80's!

[@billmurray9401]

Camille Coopersmith no so was bilp cosby

[@elvicare35]

Ward Cleaver!!!!!

[@madonnadelrey6420]

Camille Coopersmith Don't forget about Al Bundy.

[@usasstar]

Awwwww I love ❤️ that show. & I miss papa Allen too 😭. Rip Allen thick

[@mattkidd1453]

usasstar Me too. I do as well. He was an Awesome Person. I really Miss Andrew Koenig also.

[@AndySaenz]

usasstar It’s Alan Thicke.

[@GBPLVR]

Andy Saenz, it's not about the spelling. Sure I noticed. It's about the statement showing the heartfelt love and admiration for the man. Mr. Spellchecker Lol.

[@doneberhardt6897]

DONAL Eberhardt

[@torontospratt5016]

I love this show. I miss Mr.Alan Thicke he was a American Dad. he seem like a good person.

[@jujulipz1365]

aww memories from the 80's coming back. I loved the theme song that played everytime the show came on to!

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

Me too!

[@keithb7240]

This is when sitcoms were good not that crap today

[@JaysonT1]

Keith Jones home improvement...the last of it all.

[@GBPLVR]

The 80's t.v. shows were the best! Entertaining and still had values and ethics that American people don't see on t.v. today.

[@briankelly9347]

Jayson T 90s

[@adamsamuel8593]

+Brian Kelly 90's try to copy the 80's but then had its own style but 80's comedy and action shows still much much better. Growing Pains, Amen, Golden Girls, Diff'rent Stokes, Archie Bunker's Place, The Jeffersons, Facts of Life, The Cosby Show, A Different World, Gimme A Break, Bossom Buddies, Family Matters (1989),

[@adamsamuel8593]

+Brian Kelly 90's try to copy the 80's but then had its own style but 80's comedy and action shows still much much better. Growing Pains, Amen, Golden Girls, Diff'rent Stokes, Archie Bunker's Place, The Jeffersons, Facts of Life, The Cosby Show, A Different World, Gimme A Break, Bossom Buddies, Family Matters (1989),

[@juliansmith6291]

This one of the best shows in the 1980s with the A team, Knight Rider and Miami Vice

[@smokeybirdman]

And the hulk and chips

[@David_Theisen]

Don't forget Magnum PI, Night Court, Silver Spoons, Full House, Charles In Charge, and Perfect Strangers

[@batsonelectronics]

@@David_Theisen Who's the Boss, Diff'rent Strokes, and The Facts of Life

[@franklinmedianews2871]

@@batsonelectronics Mr.belvedere ..the 80s was the best time to alive .. god I miss it ...the world has become so hateful

[@chrisq1177]

Dont forget McGuyver

[@Michigan_dad]

Kirk did a marriage conference at the church I interned at. He is such a genuine down to earth guy. Admire the work he does.

[@PriscillaLange]

Change churches immediately

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

WOW!!!!

[@JustNess78]

What a blessing!

[@desireea.thomas2419]

He did one also at our church several years ago back too. He is Wonderful & still Hilarious, but so in Love with his wife Chelsea 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I was there volunteering for that day, but I snuck in every now and again because I wanted to hear more about his take on Marriage & Family. I’ve been divorced for 22 Years this April & I still have a lot to learn about Marriage. Family I got down pretty good with my gang, but it’s Marriage that I struggle with. Starting with the Lord bringing me to a Godly man & not just someone “Saying” that there Christian 😢😢😢but in all reality they’re not 😭😭😭

[@puppetshack4931]

So loved this show! Awesome to see them so connected! And that’s a fun “This is Us” fact!

[@Deelifull]

My childhood. ❤️ them.

[@mattkidd1453]

Deelifull Mine too. When the Show Premiered in 1985 I was Seven Years Old. When the Show Ended in 1992 I was Thirteen Years Old. Jeremy Miller is Only Two Years Older than I am. I'm 39. He's 41.

[@mattkidd1453]

Deelifull I Love them too!. They're Wonderful!!!.

[@frankieclayton9303]

I love watching this TV show growing up and still do.

[@PurpleRain500]

This was so beautiful to me. This will forever be my favorite sitcom of the 80’s. They are frozen in time. What a beautiful family. Rest well Allan. 🙏🏾💜

[@timobrien8809]

They all look like their characters still. Especially Jeremey Miller. Great show & amazing theme song !!

[@emilymalden3310]

I only watched the show once in awhile, but I agree all three have aged well. It's hard to believe Kirk and Tracy will be 50 in a few years.

[@emeraldeyes8688]

This show meant a lot to me as a young kid. Huuuuge crush on Kirk Cameron. I wanted Tracey Gold as a best friend. I would look forward to watching it every week. Just a wholesome family and really good writing on this show. I miss it a lot! I am now showing it to my child, so it’s gone almost full circle. 🥰

[@deeskers1]

Enjoyed see this very much. Kirk, class act and loved what you said at the end. God Bless.

[@rustynail9077]

Allan made the show. He was a great man and fantastic actor. Growing pains was one of my favorite shows growing up

[@bellaventimiglia35]

Everyone still looks the same! 😊

[@bleuskye8124]

That's silly

[@cflo1386]

I used to love this show when I was a kid, RIP Alan Thicke.

[@carriebizz]

I loved growing pains i was a kid in the 80s and i watched every episode

[@brianclaudio1942]

Aww these guys were my childhood. I couldn't get enough of the show back then.

[@TiggyTabbycat]

Kirk is a wonderful Christian father and husband. He is genuinely a nice guy.

[@15scottie]

He's a brainwashed kook ffs!

[@mzimmerman123]

@@15scottie actually he could say the same about you. I'm pretty sure the truth is on his side.

[@15scottie]

@@mzimmerman123 HUH? I'm 6'3 240lb 50 year old 100% organic, with an English Lit. degree from Yale & a self made multi-millionaire running a soon to be fortune 500 company. Oh, & I know 3 languages. Now what could you or kooky Kirk say about moi?

[@mzimmerman123]

@@15scottie congrats on your accomplishments!

[@15scottie]

@@EdsterIII you're* What is wrong with you republicans, not one of you know the English language.

[@mhoney7899]

The first two seasons. Love of my life. I hope they all know they are still so much loved by audiences out there.

[@ritashustitzky2934]

I loved watching this show with my kids. They were the same age as Kirk and Tracey. It is very nostalgic hearing that song. I miss those days.

[@holyexperience1976]

I was Jeremy's age.

[@ktma21blogger]

Am I the only one who remembers Krissy?... She's the whole reason I watch Blindspot... I know she wasn't in the first season or two, but she was a big part of the last couple of seasons. Bummed they didn't at least mention her

[@classicstorm]

ktma21blogger She was in the last season and nobody remembers her...that's like asking about Leonardo DiCaprio...

[@hustledude]

The show was well past its prime by the time she came along.

[@shuboy05]

I’m more familiar with Ashley’s work on Critical Role and The Last of Us.

[@holyexperience1976]

It would be awesome to include her! I loved she got that name!

[@AndySaenz]

WOW, I watched that show when it aired! What a blast from the past!

[@middleman8787]

Andy Saenz how else would you watch it?

[@jasonpdsi]

Perfect 80s sitcom.

[@545g]

This is still my all time favorite show. They forget lil sis Chrissy

[@hazell5457]

I loved this show. Glad to see them doing well. RiP Alan Thicke.

[@stevent4955]

The early episodes of growing pains were classic 📺

[@kevinwang7553]

It is the first American TV series inttroduced to China, has been popular over one decades.It is our 1980s memory. Quite sad that dady passed.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

My favorite 80s show! My episode where the parents were away on a date the kids were deciding who was in charge and somehow Ben Seaver ended up in the hole of the coffee table while Jason threw his keys on a side table and it fell apart!!! 😂🤣😅😅😆😝😆😂🤣🤪😜

[@margarettejeda4795]

I love Jeremy Miller I will leave all that calming images to my sister RIP Alan Thicke he was a good game show host,singer and actor. Jeremy's picture of his childhood are when he was dressed in a costume.

[@rein2430]

"Do you guys get together often?"🦗.....everyone: well ah ba wa well u see 😂🤣😂🤣

[@phyllismontoroula9376]

Growing paines cast I love watching your show I usto to write Kirk letters all the time Keep up the good work alll of you I miss Alan Thicke.

[@caridadilano9934]

Love watching it again while on quarantine👍🏼

[@jimmyshaker1720]

Tracy Gold! You are an inspiration to all people struggling with eating disorders. Thank you for sharing your story. You look Amazing and i'm so happy to see that you are healthy and in good spirits. God Bless! ❤🙏

[@MegaBpop]

They look amazing. Especially Tracey Gold. Her skin looks flawless, she is awesome.

[@dmangelsm1188]

This just popped up in my feed & made me sad to find out that Alan Thick was gone. I watched Growing Pains since almost the beginning of its run, plus I watched HIMYM around 2017 with my wife, not knowing that he had already passed. Seeing how great the Seaver 'Kids' are here makes me want some sort of reunion show/continuation in the vein of Fuller House (which stars Kirk's sister). Maybe they can do it & honor Alan at the same time.

[@Emeruld1]

I just found this show a few days ago, I love it so much!

[@larrysmith2123]

you are late

[@Emeruld1]

@@larrysmith2123 very late 😆

[@nicholasmardis9846]

I love Growing Pains So much its a fun family oriented show.

[@r3drummurd3r68]

Only if I had a time machine, I would be back to the 80's and stay!

[@ricksanchez9899]

I had a crush on both Ms. Seaver and Carol when I was a kid . Why didn't the interviewer ask about Leonardo DeCaprio ?? He got his big break in GROWING PAINS .

[@ximienlundquist8487]

This was a surprisingly short interview. They didn’t have time to talk about Leo lol

[@omayragonzalez3602]

Love Ben had the biggest crush. Love him and the show great memory

[@wayneboyd4372]

Tracey and Jeremy are just awesome people. So inclusive and loving to all their fans.

[@MoniqueFromPlymouth]

Interesting to note that Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns were both in their 30s when Growing Pains started. At the time of this TODAY interview, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold and Jeremy Miller are in their 40s!

[@Clellisfindlay]

Wonderful interview good job Savannah! it was good to see the cast doing well.

[@robertmarilouarellano6594]

So true...I dreamed of having a family that I watched on TV. And my husband and I are on the save page and we have that. I feel blessed to have those sitcoms to grow to. Thank you writers and actors who portrayed those beautiful characters. ❤🙏

[@jessicaang878]

Kirk Cameron was my absolute TV crush when “Growing Pains” was on air for seven seasons. He was such a cutie and a heartthrob then.

[@Pyrochase]

Awww No Luke Brower or Chrissy Seaver :( Would have loved to have seen Leonardo and Ashley here at the interview, would have made the circle of children complete.

[@peterbynoe9457]

Love this show.no more tv series like this anymore.

[@partywithkrissy]

They are all very lovely people. 💜

[@tinaharris6005]

I loved growing pains,it's a great show

[@margarettejeda4795]

My sister would be Jeremy Miller .Alan Thicks was the best RIP

[@_SarahElizabeth]

Of course they miss him. We all do. ❤️

[@tracyleesmith781]

I'm oooooolllld! RIP Alan Thicke❤❤❤

[@jasonfarrugia7779]

Thank you America. I know it's not real life but you've given us soooo many memories & laughs ,... ❤

[@theresehelmy112]

Kirk, you are my favorite!

[@cookiesncream789]

My childhood!!! It was awesome when they added Leonardo DiCaprio on the show too!

[@chrisq1177]

Leo was token Show-Highjacker as a kid.

[@MsRanialove]

i LOVED growing pains. I miss the old days...

[@Katzenmutter]

I have seen so many reuonions now for years every show,movie to boy bands not one tear.. and then I see these 3 wonderful faces i started to cry like a baby:'( ❤️ edit: i miss luke brower in this one;)

[@shannahuffman4655]

Loved that show

[@IsabelArmstrong]

Show me that smile again, I can’t believe that Alan has passed!

[@belindaschramm3195]

I miss Growing Pains. Such a lovely family show.

[@cups336]

That's Heather Graham 29 seconds in ! I love it when I see stuff like that!

[@lovemyterry]

I loved this show .... 💜❤️💜

[@DaveWollenberg]

Even though Tracey played the younger sister, she's actually older than Kirk.

[@Caban1970]

By 1 year.

[@tiseytise]

Dave Wollenberg I had no idea!

[@ellefleming5113]

I don't think that's right

[@margiepelcman9837]

Bittersweet☺💕

[@adamhonestyanddecency5054]

This show had the best opening.

[@devirachman5442]

Loved this show

[@bruceg22000]

These are really good people. No wonder their show was so memorable.

[@sherylromet7422]

Love growing pains so much

[@cje7293]

It is on MTV right now!..good family fun..Show me that smile!!

[@mikesilva3868]

Great TV series saw it on TBS I was 9 in 1993 until I was 11 in 1995 they showed ever episode 😊

[@kerpal321]

kirk cameron was great to watch on screen, its a shame he retired from hollywood, he could have been a huge 90s movie star

[@tammyKAYT]

Watching it now. I love the show still

[@geeked-outturtlesfan4288]

Allan Thick was a father figure to many of the fans who watched. He's missed

[@narutosan1377]

He also had a show called "Miracle Pets". It was pretty good.

[@katiewilliams5643]

Loved growing pains it was the best show ever

[@JonasRoxoxox]

Last I heard that Tracey gold will love to be on the Goldbergs. Let’s make that happen for her. I mean no other than a actual 80s kid being on a 80s influence show.

[@imagine2010mjm]

One of the best written shows.

[@amb7412]

One of my favorite shows.

[@paoyang8558]

Love the show growing pains.

[@ravenbaa7989]

😭😭😭😭I loved and miss him