Dick Van Patten

Bio:
Dick Van Patten (born Richard Vincent Van Patten on December 9, 1928 in Kew Gardens, New York) was an American actor and businessman. Dick was a child actor, making his Broadway debut at age 7 in the play, Tapestry In Gray. As a teen, Dick appeared in a dozen theatrical plays, before relocating to Hollywood for a career in film and television. His first big television break came in 1949, as the role of Nels Hansen on the CBS series, Mama. However, Dick is best known for portraying Tom Bradford on the 1970’s program, Eight is Enough. Dick made notable appearances on episodes of Sanford and Son, Arrested Development, and Happy Days. His movie roles include several films of Mel Brooks, including High Anxiety, Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men In Tights. He was a commentator for the World Series of Poker from 1993 to 1995 and appeared in a pair of “Weird” Al Yankovic music videos. Dick passed away on June 23, 2015, from complications from diabetes.

Best Known For:
Dick Van Patten is best known as an actor, portraying Tom Bradford in Eight Is Enough and appearing in multiple classic Mel Brooks comedies.

Personal Life:
Dick comes from a famous Hollywood family. His sister is Joyce Van Patten and he’s the half-brother of director/producer, Tim Van Patten. He married Patricia Poole in 1954, having met on The Jackie Gleason Show. They had three sons: Vincent, Nels and Jimmy. Dick was an animal enthusiast, co-founding Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989. He also founded National Guide Dog Month, and continued to raise money for non-profit guide dog schools in the United States.