AceShowbiz - Former child star Philip McKeon has died at the age of 55.

The actor passed away in Texas on Tuesday morning (December 10) following a long illness.

In a statement issued to People.com, family spokesman Jeff Ballard writes, "We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil's passing. His wonderful sense of humor, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life."

McKeon began his career in the spotlight at just two years old, when he became a child model.

The older brother of "Facts of Life" star Nancy McKeon went on to work as an actor onstage and onscreen, and scored his big break in 1976, when he was tapped to play Tommy Hyatt on U.S. sitcom "Alice", based on Martin Scorsese's 1974 romantic comedy, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore".

He also appeared in episodes of "CHiPs", "Fantasy Island", and "The Love Boat", as well as films such as "Return to Horror High" and "Sandman", before taking a job in the news department of Los Angeles' KFWB News 98 station.

McKeon later moved to Wimberly, Texas and started his own radio show.