It is a sad day in the entertainment industry, especially in the acting world. Dick Van Patten, the actor bet known for his role on the 1970s series Eight Is Enough, has passed away at the age of 86. The Hollywood Reporter first reported his death early Tuesday morning, June 23, and Dick Van Patten’s friend and longtime agent, Budd Burton Moss, has confirmed his death. Moss said, “he has been ill for a long time.”
The Hollywood Reporter stated that Dick Van Patten passed away at a Santa Monica, California hospital. The former child actor had an extensive acting career and was commonly seen on TV and the big screen for decades. Going all the way back to the late 40s, Dick Van Patten had a role in the show “Mama,” which was based on the play and movie titled, “I Remember Mama.”
In 2006, Dick Van Patten told the Los Angeles site, The Pet Press, “I’ve probably had more jobs than any other actor living.” Dick Van Patten was also the founder of Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods, and was considered a pet food mogul.
Of course, Van Patten’s most prominent role was that of Tom Bradford in Eight Is Enough. Dick Van Patten had three sons with his wife Pat: Nels, James, and Vincent. All three of his sons also went into acting and Van Patten’s sister, Joyce Van Patten, is an actress as well. In addition, Dick Van Patten’s half-brother, Timothy, is a well established director who has worked on shows like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire.
Dick Van Patten is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Van Patten, and all three of his sons. Our thoughts go out to Patricia, Nels, Jimmy, Vincent, and the rest of Dick Van Patten’s family in this difficult time. His legacy will live on through all of his children.
Image credit to FameFlynet