Both actors and just two years apart in age,Nancy McKeonandPhilip McKeonwere incredibly close from childhood onwards.
A source told PEOPLE that Nancy, 53, is“devastated”over her older brother’s death.
“She and Philip were very, very close,” the source said. “The whole family is going to cling together and find comfort in each other during this time. My heart goes out to them.”
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The family, originally from Forest Hills, Long Island, shuttled regularly to Manhattan for what would be some 60-odd commercials in seven years. Then, when Philip landedAlicein 1976, the McKeons headed West.
“I was happy for Philip, but I had to start all over again,” Nancy told PEOPLE in 1982. “I was getting up at quarter to 5, practicing singing and dancing before school and again when I came home, but nothing was happening. I thought of quitting.” After three years of auditions — and numerous brotherly pep talks — she began landing series guest spots and eventuallyThe Facts of Life.
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Teenage Philip told PEOPLE he would “joke a lot — everything is funny to me,” while teenage Nancy, in contrast, said she saw herself as “a very serious kind of person, maybe too serious.” Despite their differences, they were great friends growing up, both studying with tutors for hours a day on-set, attending Catholic Mass every Sunday, and going to the movies together, they recalled to PEOPLE.
More than anything, they said they wanted to work together.
“That’s a constant dream we have,” said Philip, adding proudly, “Nancy is one of the best actresses in the world.”
“I think he’ll become one of the finest directors of our time,” Nancy added. “If I had to pick a brother, I’d pick him.”
Philip went on to work at Los Angeles station KFWB News 98 in its news department for 10 years before moving to Wimberly, Texas, where he hosted his own radio show and relocated to be closer to family. His other credits include the 1987 slasher filmReturn to Horror Highand appearances inCHiPs,Fantasy IslandandThe Love Boat.
Nancy has not publicly addressed his death, but last month she wished her brother a happy birthday onInstagramwhilereflecting on the loss of their father, Donald McKeon, whodied in October.
“A huge happy birthday to my big brother!!” she wrote. “It’s been a tough time lately… but as we’ve always said…we’ll get through it together…love you Dude….and as always… our humble thanks to all our veterans.”
source: people.com
