Remembering Linda Lavin: A Tribute on Set
On a chilly evening in mid-January, a bouquet of flowers overflowed outside Linda Lavin’s trailer on the Disney lot in Burbank, California. Just a stone’s throw away, a black ribbon was delicately draped around her caricature, a poignant reminder of the beloved actress who had graced our screens for decades.
Lavin, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 87, left behind a legacy that resonated deeply with her fans and colleagues alike. As the cast and creators of the Hulu sitcom “Mid-Century Modern” returned to work, they found themselves grappling with the profound loss of their co-star. The day was set for a special half-hour episode dedicated to her character, Sibyl Schneiderman, serving as both a tribute to her remarkable career and a heartfelt eulogy for an actress who had become an icon over her seven-decade journey in entertainment.
Crafting a tribute was no easy feat, especially given the comedic nature of the show. The challenge was not only to honor Lavin but also to ensure that the atmosphere remained light and entertaining. “The job is to make sure it doesn’t get too sad and too sentimental,” explained James Burrows, the legendary director known for his work on numerous multicamera sitcoms. “You have to remember it’s a comedy, and you’ve got to make the audience laugh.”
Earlier in the fall, I had reached out to the creators of the sitcom, intrigued by its premise—a fresh take on the lives of gay men in their later years, reminiscent of the classic “Golden Girls” but with a modern twist reflecting the strides in marriage equality. It promised to deliver sharp wit and a contemporary exploration of queer relationships, showcasing how these depictions have evolved since the 1990s.
However, following Lavin’s unexpected passing, the tone of the show shifted dramatically. What was once a lighthearted sitcom filled with quick-witted banter now had to navigate the delicate balance of grief and humor. The reporting assignment, initially aimed at highlighting the show’s comedic elements, pivoted to capture the emotional landscape of a cast mourning the loss of a cherished friend and colleague.
The ensemble cast of “Mid-Century Modern” portrays a vibrant group of gay men living in the sunny enclave of Palm Springs, California, with Lavin playing the mother of Lane’s character. Her absence is felt deeply, but the spirit of laughter and camaraderie prevails as they strive to celebrate her life and contributions to their show and the industry as a whole.
