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Dick Van Patten 1928 - 2015

Dick Van Patten was born on December 9, 1928 at Kew Gardens in Queens County, New York United States to Richard Van Patten and Josephine (Acerno) Van Patten, and had a sister Joyce Van Patten. He married Patricia (Poole) Van Patten on April 25, 1954, and they were married until Dick's death on June 23, 2015. He had children Nels Van Patten, James Van Patten, and Vincent Van Patten. Dick Van Patten was buried in 2015 at Forest Lawn 1712 S Glendale Ave, in Glendale, Los Angeles County.

Dick Van Patten
Richard Vincent Van Patten
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December 9, 1928
Kew Gardens in Queens County, New York, United States
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June 23, 2015
Santa Monica, California, United States
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Dick Van Patten Dick Van Patten (1928 - 2015)
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Dick Van Patten's History: 1928 - 2015

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  • Introduction

    Dick Van Patten Born Richard Vincent Van Patten December 9, 1928 Kew Gardens, Queens, New York, U.S. Died June 23, 2015 (aged 86) Santa Monica, California, U.S. Resting place Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills Occupation Actor, comedian, businessman, animal welfare advocate Years active 1935–2012 Spouse(s) Patricia Poole ​(m. 1954)​ Children 3, including Vincent Relatives Tim Van Patten (half brother) Joyce Van Patten (sister) Richard Vincent Van Patten (December 9, 1928 – June 23, 2015) was an American actor, comedian, businessman, and animal welfare advocate, whose career spanned seven decades of television. He was best known for his role as patriarch Tom Bradford on the ABC television comedy-drama Eight Is Enough. Van Patten began work as a child actor and was successful on the New York stage, appearing in more than a dozen plays as a teenager. He worked in radio, on Duffy's Tavern. He later starred in numerous television roles including the long-running CBS television series, "Mama" and Young Doctor Malone. Later, he would star or co-star in many feature films, including Charly, Mel Brooks's Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Spaceballs, and Charlton Heston's Soylent Green. Van Patten was the founder of Natural Balance Pet Foods and National Guide Dog Month. Early life Richard Vincent Van Patten was born on December 9, 1928, in the Kew Gardens section of the New York City borough of Queens, the elder child of Richard Byron Van Patten, an interior decorator, and Josephine Rose (née Acerno), who worked in advertising. His younger sister is actress Joyce Van Patten. His mother was of Italian descent, while his father had Dutch and English ancestry. He began work as a model and actor as a child making his Broadway debut at the age of seven. He was successful on the New York City stage, appearing in a dozen theatrical plays before reaching his teen years. He later moved to Hollywood and began a lengthy career in film and television. Van Patten's career in show business began as a child actor on Broadway in 1935 in Tapestry In Gray starring Melvyn Douglas. He was billed as "Dickie Van Patten" and went on to appear in twelve other Broadway plays as a teenager. He moved on to television with the role of Nels Hansen in the CBS series, Mama, starring Peggy Wood, about a Norwegian-American family living in San Francisco, in the early 20th century. It ran from 1949 to 1957. In 1949, James Dean, then an unknown, replaced Patten on the show for a time, when Patten was drafted into the Army. In 1975, he played "Friar Tuck" on When Things Were Rotten, a comic take on Robin Hood, created by Mel Brooks. The series ran for 13 episodes before being canceled. He was best known as the Bradford family patriarch, Tom Bradford, on Eight Is Enough, which aired from 1977 to 1981, and which was loosely based on a book of the same name by the American journalist Thomas Braden. Van Patten appeared in episodes of Sanford and Son, Banacek, Arrested Development, The Brian Keith Show, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Adam-12, Emergency!, Growing Pains, and Happy Days. He had numerous leading roles in motion pictures including Joe Kidd, The Snowball Express and The Santa Trap. He played a small role in the dystopian film Soylent Green (1973). Van Patten appeared in several films directed by Mel Brooks, including High Anxiety, Spaceballs, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, as well as cameos in the music videos for "Smells Like Nirvana" and "Bedrock Anthem" by "Weird Al" Yankovic, and on The Weird Al Show. He played "Jack Benson" in Opposite Day (2009). He also was a commentator for the World Series of Poker from 1993 to 1995. The Hollywood Walk of Fame honored Van Patten on November 20, 1985, with a Star of Television marker at 1541 North Vine Street. On January 12, 2008, Van Patten received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. On November 1, 2009, Phoenix Books published Eighty Is Not Enough!, a book co-authored by Van Patten and Robert Baer, in which Van Patten shared his 80-year journey of insights and anecdotes through the entertainment industry. He discusses his journey from his humble beginning in Queens, New York; his rise as a childhood star on Broadway during the Great Depression; working as an actor on the radio; the advent of television and his role in the second-ever live situation comedy Mama; a rough period between acting gigs; a rise back to the top that led the TV icon to the lead role on the popular hit show Eight Is Enough and subsequent roles in television and movies. Other work Main articles: Natural Balance Pet Foods and National Guide Dog Month An animal enthusiast, Van Patten co-founded Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989. Van Patten's creation of his own brand of dog food was satirized in comedian John Hodgman's 2008 book More Information Than You Require, and was rebranded as Dick Van Patten's Hobo Chili for Dogs. He founded National Guide Dog Month which began in 2008 to raise awareness and money for non-profit guide dog schools in the United States, accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation. Patriarch of a famous Hollywood family, Van Patten was the older brother of actress Joyce Van Patten, and the older half-brother of film director and Emmy award-winning television director/producer Tim Van Patten. He was married to Patricia Poole (also known as Pat Van Patten) from 1954 until his death. She was a professional dancer on Broadway and a June Taylor dancer on The Jackie Gleason Show. They lived in Sherman Oaks, California. They had three sons, all actors: Vincent, Nels, and Jimmy. Nels, who is married to actress Nancy Valen, is named for the character Van Patten played on the CBS's I Remember Mama. Van Patten was related to several other actors through marriages. His sister Joyce married actor Martin Balsam; their daughter is actress Talia Balsam. Talia's first husband was actor George Clooney, and she is now married to actor John Slattery. Van Patten's son, Vince, is married to actress Eileen Davidson. Grave of Dick Van Patten at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. In January 2006, Van Patten was taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering a diabetic stroke. Van Patten, who suffered from Type 2 diabetes, made a full recovery. Van Patten died at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, on June 23, 2015, at age 86. Complications from diabetes were the listed cause. Willie Aames, who played son Tommy Bradford on Eight Is Enough, called his television father "truly a gem [who] will be missed. ... As Dick always said, 'Remember our times together, gang ... Cause these ARE the good ole' days". Betty Buckley, Van Patten's co-star on the series, recalled, "Every day on the set he was a happy, jovial person, always generous and ready to play, tease, and always keep us all laughing. He was the consummate professional, a wonderful actor, master of comedy, and a kind and generous human being." He is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. On November 20, 1985, Dick Van Patten was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.
  • 12/9
    1928

    Birthday

    December 9, 1928
    Birthdate
    Kew Gardens in Queens County, New York United States
    Birthplace
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  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Italian Mother and Dutch and English Father.

  • Professional Career

    Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1963 Violent Midnight Police Lt. Palmer Film debut 1967 The Secret Dream Models of Oliver Nibble Oliver Nibble Short film; as John Acerno 1968 Charly Bert as Richard Van Patten 1971 Zachariah The Dude Making It Warren 1972 Beware! The Blob Scoutmaster Adleman Joe Kidd Hotel Manager Dirty Little Billy Berle's customer Snowball Express Mr. Carruthers 1973 Soylent Green Usher #1 Westworld Banker Superdad Ira Kushaw 1974 Heidi in the Mountains English version, Voice 1975 The Strongest Man in the World V.P. Harry Crumply 1976 Treasure of Matecumbe The Gambler Gus Cal Wilson The Shaggy D.A. Raymond Freaky Friday Harold Jennings 1977 High Anxiety Dr. Wentworth 1979 Nutcracker Fantasy King Goodwin Voice 1981 Lunch Wagon Bernie Simmons Uncredited 1987 Spaceballs King Roland 1988 The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking Greg the Glue Man 1989 Dirty Tennis Himself (short film written by his son, James Van Patten) 1992 Body Trouble Max Final Embrace Larch 1993 Robin Hood: Men in Tights The Abbot 1996 For Goodness Sake II Game show host Love Is All There Is Dr. Rodino 1998 Evasive Action Parole Officer 1999 Y2K – World in Crisis Host Documentary 2002 Groom Lake Irv Barnett 2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Himself 2004 Quiet Kill Frank Rubin 2008 The Christmas Conspiracy Narrator Short 2009 Opposite Day Jack Benson Sarah's Choice Pastor Smith Direct-to-video 2010 First Dog Himself 2016 Silver Skies Himself Released Posthumously Television Year Title Role Notes 1949–1957 Mama Nels Hansen 1958 The Silent Service Hadley Episode: "Tiger Shark". Executive Officer of the subject submarine. Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer Paul Sterovsky Episode "The Broken Frame" 1959 Rawhide Matt Reston Episode "Incident of the Power and the Plow" 1961 Naked City Carhop Episode "The Well-Dressed Termite" 1961–1962 Young Doctor Malone Larry Renfrew 1970 The Governor & J.J. Bertram Bannister I Dream Of Jeannie Grocery store manager Season 5, Episode 26; "My Master, the Chili King"; Air date: May 26, 1970; series finale That Girl Mr. Morse Arnie Walter Granscog/Walker 1971 Great Performances Raymond 1971–1972 The Partners Sgt. Nelson Higgenbottom 1971–1972 The Doris Day Show April's Father 1971–1973 Love, American Style Segments: "Love and the Tattoo", "Love and the Parent's Sake" (George), "Love and the Particular Girl" (Jack) 1972 Sanford and Son Hamlin Episode: "The Great Sanford Siege" The Don Rickles Show David Hec Ramsey Earl Enright Banyon Earl Gifford 1972–1973 The Paul Lynde Show Dr. Willis/Wollner 1972–1974 The New Dick Van Dyke Show Max Mathias/Mr. Compton 1972–1975 Medical Center Dr. Feldman/Dr. Whittaker/Man at Hotel 1972–1976 Emergency! Carter Merkle/Morris Meers 1972–1976 The Streets of San Francisco Thurman Barber/John Collins 1973 McMillan & Wife Henry The Brian Keith Show Jerry Mason Cannon George Abel 2x18 Murder for Murder Thicker than Water John Adam's Rib Commissioner Hoyt Wait Till Your Father Gets Home 1973–1975 The Rookies Fullmer/Waldon 1973–1983 Insight Jerry 1974 Banacek Donald Morgan The Girl with Something Extra Morgan Sierra Ed Kolchak: The Night Stalker Alfred Brindle Adam-12 Harry Curtis 1974–1976 Barnaby Jones Melvin Pearson/Merle Overton 1975 Hot l Baltimore A.J. Horn When Things Were Rotten Friar Tuck 1975–1976 The Six Million Dollar Man Harry Green/Palmer 1976 Ellery Queen Billy Geeter Phyllis Walter Maude Gordon Coleman The New Adventures of Wonder Woman Jack Wood Episode: "Beauty on Parade" What's Happening!! Mr. Claxton The Tony Randall Show Myron C. Dobbs 1976–1977 Happy Days Asst. Principal Marvin Conners/Hunsberger 1977 C.P.O. Sharkey Psychiatrist One Day at a Time Frank 1977–1981 Eight Is Enough Tom Bradford 1978–1984 The Love Boat Charlie Dillinger/Congressman John Whitcomb/George Hayes 1979 Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker Herb Thurston TV movie 1982 High Powder Tom Reed TV movie 1983 Too Close for Comfort Arthur 1983–1985 Hotel Frasier Pratt/Herbert Pitts 1984 The Hoboken Chicken Emergency Mayor TV movie Masquerade Finder of Lost Loves Alan Nettles The New Mike Hammer 1985 Crazy Like a Fox The Midnight Hour Martin Grenville TV movie 1986 Murder, She Wrote District Atty. Fred Whittaker Episode: "Murder in the Electric Cathedral" Combat Academy Principal 1987 The Facts of Life Frank Stickle Episode: "Ex Marks the Spot" Eight Is Enough: A Family Reunion Tom Bradford TV movie Rags to Riches Phil Johnson 1989 Growing Pains Nick Simpson Episode: "Fortunate Son" An Eight Is Enough Wedding Tom Bradford TV movie Jake Spanner, Private Eye The Commodore TV movie 1990 McGee and Me! Graham 1990–1991 WIOU Floyd Graham 1993 The Golden Palace Taylor The Odd Couple: Together Again Roy TV movie Diagnosis: Murder Monty Emerson Episode: "Murder at the Telethon" 1994 Burke's Law Dr. Paul Hampton Baywatch Henry/Sam Episode: "Guys and Dolls" Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Orphanage Worker/Santa Episode: "Season's Greedings" 1995 Cybill Himself Episode: “Nice Work If You Can Get It” 1995–1998 Touched by an Angel Jerry/Eb 2 episodes 1996 Maybe This Time Jack Boy Meets World Amish Farmer Episode: "You Can Go Home Again" 1997 The Weird Al Show The Burglar Episode: "Al Gets Robbed" 1998 The Love Boat: The Next Wave Sid Glacken Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction Chester Segment: "The Chess Game" 1999 Family Guy Tom Bradford (voice) Episode: "Brian: Portrait of a Dog" Late Night with Conan O'Brien Mr. Ropely 2001 Gary & Mike Ba (voice) 2003 Life with Bonnie Himself Episode: "It's a Wonderful Job" 2004 7th Heaven James Rodgers, Sr. Episode: "The Chess Game" 2005 Arrested Development Cal Cullen Episodes: "Spring Breakout" and "Righteous Brothers" 2006 That '70s Show Murph Episode: "Sweet Lady" 2009 The Sarah Silverman Program Dr. Eddie Hackmeyer 2011 Hot in Cleveland Lester Episode: "The Chess Game" (last appearance)
  • 06/23
    2015

    Death

    June 23, 2015
    Death date
    Complications from diabetes.
    Cause of death
    Santa Monica, California United States
    Death location
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  • 2015

    Gravesite & Burial

    2015
    Funeral date
    Forest Lawn 1712 S Glendale Ave, in Glendale, Los Angeles County, California 91205, United States
    Burial location
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10 Memories, Stories & Photos about Dick

Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
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Richard Van Patten
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
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Richard Van Patten
Photo of Amanda S. Stevenson Amanda S. Stevenson
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02/10/2021
Richard Van Patten
This is Dick Van Patten's famous sister Joyce Van Patten who starred in many plays on Broadway and has been seen on television shows like Columbo in several episodes. I have met her many times and I am a big fan of hers.
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Richard Van Patten
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02/10/2021
Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
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Richard Van Patten
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Dick Van Patten's Family Tree & Friends

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Other Biographies

Other Van Patten Family Biographies

Van Patten, Hazel (Jun 30, 1927 - Jul 1, 2001) Van Patten, Elliot (Apr 11, 1933 - May 24, 1996) Van Patten, Elizabeth (Aug 11, 1905 - Feb 24, 1990) Van Patten, Katherine (May 20, 1899 - Jun 1980) Van Patten, Gilbert (Aug 31, 1947 - Mar 1985) Van Patten, Robert (Dec 8, 1918 - Feb 28, 1990) Van Patten, Sybil (Feb 25, 1927 - Dec 31, 1996) Van Patten, Kenneth (Feb 27, 1964 - Sep 24, 2010) Van Patten, Anna (Mar 15, 1910 - Oct 7, 2000) Van Patten, Helen (Apr 29, 1907 - Aug 1983)
Van Patten, James (Jun 20, 1940 - Apr 5, 2009) Van Patten, John (Sep 26, 1923 - Nov 24, 2004) Van Patten, P Richard (Jan 18, 1925 - Mar 10, 1996) Van Patten, Eric (Oct 30, 1917 - Feb 13, 1990) Van Patten, Leonard (Apr 5, 1922 - Jan 7, 2003) Van Patten, August (Feb 1, 1906 - Jan 1980) Van Patten, Samuel (Oct 21, 1914 - Dec 1981) Van Patten, Constance (Jan 21, 1958 - Aug 18, 2009) Van Patten, Gloria (Jun 16, 1938 - Jan 21, 2006) Van Patten, Mildred (Dec 24, 1913 - Feb 1992)
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