Dick Van Patten

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.

Dick Van Patten
Van Patten in May 2008
Born
Richard Vincent Van Patten

(1928-12-09)December 9, 1928
DiedJune 23, 2015(2015-06-23) (aged 86)
Resting placeForest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills
OccupationActor, comedian, businessman, animal welfare advocate
Years active1935–2012
Spouse(s)
Patricia Poole
(m. 1954)
Children3, including Vincent
RelativesTim Van Patten (half brother)
Joyce Van Patten (sister)

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.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3][2]

Career

Actor

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.[3] In 1949, James Dean, then an unknown, replaced Patten on the show for a time, when Patten was drafted into the Army.[4][5] 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.[3][2]

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).[2]

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.[6] He played "Jack Benson" in Opposite Day (2009). He also was a commentator for the World Series of Poker from 1993 to 1995.[3][2]

The Hollywood Walk of Fame honored Van Patten on November 20, 1985, with a Star of Television marker at 1541 North Vine Street.[7] On January 12, 2008, Van Patten received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.[8]

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.[9]

Other work

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.[10] 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.

Personal life

Family

Peggy Wood, who played Van Patten's mother in the television program Mama, congratulates Pat and Dick on their wedding, 1954.

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,[11] Nels, and Jimmy. Nels, who is married to actress Nancy Valen, is named for the character Van Patten played on the CBS's 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.

Illness and death

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.[12]

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."[12]

He is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles.

Honors

On November 20, 1985, Dick Van Patten was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[7] In 2008, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.[13]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1963Violent MidnightPolice Lt. PalmerFilm debut
1967The Secret Dream Models of Oliver NibbleOliver NibbleShort film; as John Acerno
1968CharlyBertas Richard Van Patten
1971ZachariahThe Dude
Making ItWarren
1972Beware! The BlobScoutmaster Adleman
Joe KiddHotel Manager
Dirty Little BillyBerle's customer
Snowball ExpressMr. Carruthers
1973Soylent GreenUsher #1
WestworldBanker
SuperdadIra Kushaw
1974Heidi in the MountainsEnglish version, Voice
1975The Strongest Man in the WorldV.P. Harry Crumply
1976Treasure of MatecumbeThe Gambler
GusCal Wilson
The Shaggy D.A.Raymond
Freaky FridayHarold Jennings
1977High AnxietyDr. Wentworth
1979Nutcracker FantasyKing GoodwinVoice
1981Lunch WagonBernie SimmonsUncredited
1987SpaceballsKing Roland
1988The New Adventures of Pippi LongstockingGreg the Glue Man
1989Dirty TennisHimself(short film written by his son, James Van Patten)
1992Body TroubleMax
Final EmbraceLarch
1993Robin Hood: Men in TightsThe Abbot
1996For Goodness Sake IIGame show host
Love Is All There IsDr. Rodino
1998Evasive ActionParole Officer
1999Y2K – World in CrisisHostDocumentary
2002Groom LakeIrv Barnett
2003Dickie Roberts: Former Child StarHimself
2004Quiet KillFrank Rubin
2008The Christmas ConspiracyNarratorShort
2009Opposite DayJack Benson
Sarah's ChoicePastor SmithDirect-to-video
2010First DogHimself
2016Silver SkiesHimselfReleased Posthumously

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1949–1957MamaNels Hansen
1958The Silent ServiceHadleyEpisode: "Tiger Shark". Executive Officer of the subject submarine.
Mickey Spillane's Mike HammerPaul SterovskyEpisode "The Broken Frame"
1959RawhideMatt RestonEpisode "Incident of the Power and the Plow"
1961Naked CityCarhopEpisode "The Well-Dressed Termite"
1961–1962Young Doctor MaloneLarry Renfrew
1970The Governor & J.J.Bertram Bannister
I Dream Of JeannieGrocery store managerSeason 5, Episode 26; "My Master, the Chili King"; Air date: May 26, 1970; series finale
That GirlMr. Morse
ArnieWalter Granscog/Walker
1971Great PerformancesRaymond
1971–1972The PartnersSgt. Nelson Higgenbottom
1971–1972The Doris Day ShowApril's Father
1971–1973Love, American StyleSegments: "Love and the Tattoo", "Love and the Parent's Sake" (George), "Love and the Particular Girl" (Jack)
1972Sanford and SonHamlinEpisode: "The Great Sanford Siege"
The Don Rickles ShowDavid
Hec RamseyEarl Enright
BanyonEarl Gifford
1972–1973The Paul Lynde ShowDr. Willis/Wollner
1972–1974The New Dick Van Dyke ShowMax Mathias/Mr. Compton
1972–1975Medical CenterDr. Feldman/Dr. Whittaker/Man at Hotel
1972–1976Emergency!Carter Merkle/Morris Meers
1972–1976The Streets of San FranciscoThurman Barber/John Collins
1973McMillan & WifeHenry
The Brian Keith ShowJerry Mason
CannonGeorge Abel2x18 Murder for Murder
Thicker than WaterJohn
Adam's RibCommissioner Hoyt
Wait Till Your Father Gets Home
1973–1975The RookiesFullmer/Waldon
1973–1983InsightJerry
1974BanacekDonald Morgan
The Girl with Something ExtraMorgan
SierraEd
Kolchak: The Night StalkerAlfred Brindle
Adam-12Harry Curtis
1974–1976Barnaby JonesMelvin Pearson/Merle Overton
1975Hot l BaltimoreA.J. Horn
When Things Were RottenFriar Tuck
1975–1976The Six Million Dollar ManHarry Green/Palmer
1976Ellery QueenBilly Geeter
PhyllisWalter
MaudeGordon Coleman
The New Adventures of Wonder WomanJack WoodEpisode: "Beauty on Parade"
What's Happening!!Mr. Claxton
The Tony Randall ShowMyron C. Dobbs
1976–1977Happy DaysAsst. Principal Marvin Conners/Hunsberger
1977C.P.O. SharkeyPsychiatrist
One Day at a TimeFrank
1977–1981Eight Is EnoughTom Bradford
1978–1984The Love BoatCharlie Dillinger/Congressman John Whitcomb/George Hayes
1979Diary of a Teenage HitchhikerHerb ThurstonTV movie
1982High PowderTom ReedTV movie
1983Too Close for ComfortArthur
1983–1985HotelFrasier Pratt/Herbert Pitts
1984The Hoboken Chicken EmergencyMayorTV movie
Masquerade
Finder of Lost LovesAlan Nettles
The New Mike Hammer
1985Crazy Like a Fox
The Midnight HourMartin GrenvilleTV movie
1986Murder, She WroteDistrict Atty. Fred WhittakerEpisode: "Murder in the Electric Cathedral"
Combat AcademyPrincipal
1987The Facts of LifeFrank StickleEpisode: "Ex Marks the Spot"
Eight Is Enough: A Family ReunionTom BradfordTV movie
Rags to RichesPhil Johnson
1989Growing PainsNick SimpsonEpisode: "Fortunate Son"
An Eight Is Enough WeddingTom BradfordTV movie
Jake Spanner, Private EyeThe CommodoreTV movie
1990McGee and Me!Graham
1990–1991WIOUFloyd Graham
1993The Golden PalaceTaylor
The Odd Couple: Together AgainRoyTV movie
Diagnosis: MurderMonty EmersonEpisode: "Murder at the Telethon"
1994Burke's LawDr. Paul Hampton
BaywatchHenry/SamEpisode: "Guys and Dolls"
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of SupermanOrphanage Worker/SantaEpisode: "Season's Greedings"
1995CybillHimselfEpisode: “Nice Work If You Can Get It”
1995–1998Touched by an AngelJerry/Eb2 episodes
1996Maybe This TimeJack
Boy Meets WorldAmish FarmerEpisode: "You Can Go Home Again"
1997The Weird Al ShowThe BurglarEpisode: "Al Gets Robbed"
1998The Love Boat: The Next WaveSid Glacken
Beyond Belief: Fact or FictionChesterSegment: "The Chess Game"
1999Family GuyTom Bradford (voice)Episode: "Brian: Portrait of a Dog"
Late Night with Conan O'BrienMr. Ropely
2001Gary & MikeBa (voice)
2003Life with BonnieHimselfEpisode: "It's a Wonderful Job"
20047th HeavenJames Rodgers, Sr.Episode: "The Chess Game"
2005Arrested DevelopmentCal CullenEpisodes: "Spring Breakout" and "Righteous Brothers"
2006That '70s ShowMurphEpisode: "Sweet Lady"
2009The Sarah Silverman ProgramDr. Eddie Hackmeyer
2011Hot in ClevelandLesterEpisode: "The Chess Game" (last appearance)

Bibliography

  • Van Patten, Dick; Baer, Robert (2009). Eighty Is Not Enough!: One Actor's Journey Through American Entertainment. Beverly Hills, Calif.: Phoenix Books. ISBN 978-1607477006.

References

  1. Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio. Oxford University Press. p. 212. ISBN 978-0195076783. (within Cast section) Dickie Van Patten as Finnegan's kid brother Wilfred.
  2. "Dick Van Patten biodata". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 2017-04-20.
  3. Slotnik, Daniel E. (August 22, 2012). "Rosemary Rice, Oldest Daughter of TV's 'Mama', Dies at 87". The New York Times. p. B8. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  4. Dick Van Patten, who was a TV father on ‘Eight is Enough,’ dies at 86. The Washington Post. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  5. Dick Van Patten, 'Eight Is Enough' Star, Dies at 86. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  6. "Video Facts". Weird Al" Yankovic. Archived from the original on November 10, 2006.
  7. "Dick Van Patten". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  8. "Dick Van Patten to be Honored with Star on Palm Springs Walk of Stars". PR Newswire. January 9, 2008. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  9. Kleinschmidt, Janice (August 2010). "A Man of Passion". Palm Springs Life. ISSN 0031-0425.
  10. Ulaby, Neda (November 18, 2008). "Comic John Hodgman Shares 'More Information'". NPR. Book Tour.
  11. Dagan, Carmel (June 23, 2015). "Dick Van Patten, 'Eight Is Enough' Star, Dies at 86". Variety. ISSN 0042-2738.
  12. Jamieson, Wendell (June 23, 2015). "Dick Van Patten, Harried Father on 'Eight Is Enough', Dies at 86". The New York Times. p. B10.
  13. "Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated" (PDF). Archived from the original on 2012-10-13. Retrieved 2017-04-20.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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