You might know her as the talented actress who stole the spotlight in the 1984 film Dune at just 7 years old. That’s right, we’re talking about Alicia Witt. Since then, she’s graced our screens in iconic shows like Friday Night Lights, Twin Peaks, and even The Walking Dead. But behind the scenes, Alicia’s life took an unexpected turn when tragedy struck her family in December 2021. Her parents, Robert and Diane Witt, were found deceased in their home in Worcester, Massachusetts.
In a heartfelt statement, Alicia opened up about the devastating news: “I reached out to a cousin who lives close to my parents to check on them. Sadly, the outcome was unimaginable. I ask for some privacy at this time to grieve and to process this surreal loss. It’s hard to wrap my head around what’s happened, but I’m leaning on my loved ones during this time.”
The Hallmark actress revealed that she hadn’t heard from her parents in a few days, which prompted her to reach out for help. A family member contacted the police, who discovered Robert, 87, and Diane, 75, at their home. Acting Deputy Chief Adam J. Roche of the Worcester Fire Department shared details with Closer: “On December 20, 2021, at around 8:20 PM, police were dispatched to check on the welfare of the residents at 8 Sussex Lane. Upon arrival, they found both a male and female deceased inside. There were no signs of foul play. The Worcester Fire Department conducted a thorough inspection of the house, but no abnormalities were detected. The cause of death is still under investigation by the medical examiner’s office.”
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Scroll down to explore Alicia’s deep connection with her family and how they shaped her life.
Remembering Robert and Diane Witt
Robert and Diane Witt were more than just loving parents—they were also dedicated educators who spent decades teaching in Worcester. Robert specialized in science and photography, while Diane focused on reading for junior high students. Their influence extended far beyond the classroom, especially when it came to nurturing their daughter’s talents. Alicia learned to read at the astonishing age of 3, thanks in large part to her mother’s guidance.
Diane’s role in Alicia’s early career was nothing short of remarkable. It all started when a producer from That’s Incredible! spotted a photo of young Alicia reading in a magazine. The producer reached out to Diane, who had already taught her daughter how to perform a scene from Romeo & Juliet. “I was just 5 years old at the time,” Alicia recalled in a September 2021 interview with Boston Globe. “Two years later, the casting director for Dune saw that clip and offered me the role of Alia. It was pure serendipity.”
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Alicia’s journey with filmmaker David Lynch. Despite achieving fame as a child star, Alicia never forgot her roots. In an August 2014 interview, she reflected on her family’s humble beginnings: “My parents were both teachers, and my dad earned about $35,000 a year. We didn’t even have a car until I was 11. Money was always something we had to be mindful of.”
Diane wasn’t just an educator—she was also a local celebrity. In 1988, she held the Guinness World Record for the longest hair, measuring an impressive 10 feet. That same year, she brought her family to New York City to attend a conference with other record holders. “My hair is incredibly healthy,” Diane once said. “I’ve never dyed it. Believe it or not, we’ve even caught fish with it!”
Even as Alicia pursued her acting and singing career in Nashville, she remained deeply connected to her parents. She frequently shared photos celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. Whether she was cheering on the New England Patriots with her dad or having fun with her mom using the Face Swap filter, their bond was unmistakable.
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Brother Ian Witt: A Lifelong Supporter
Alicia isn’t the only Witt sibling who made a splash in the entertainment world. Her younger brother, Ian Witt, born in 1978, joined her on screen in the 1991 film Liebestraum, according to IMDb. While Ian has largely stayed out of the spotlight, he and Alicia shared a childhood filled with encouragement to explore their creative sides. Alicia went on to land her first leading role in the 1994 film Fun, while Ian chose a quieter path away from Hollywood.
