Actor. He is best-known for his role as "Tom Bradford," the family patriarch in the television series "Eight is Enough," which ran from 1977 to 1981. Born Richard Vincent Van Patten, his father was a furniture salesman; his mother was a Physical Education teacher. He developed a fondness for the theater and began auditioning for plays at the age of seven. He marked his lengthy association with Broadway in the production "Tapestry in Gray" in 1936 and went on to appear in a half dozen plays during the late 1930s. He also acted on many network radio shows, including the soap opera, "Young Widder Brown," playing the part of David Brown in the 1940s. With more than a decade of stage experience, he moved on to television during the medium's early years and played 'Nels Hansen' in the series "Mama" (1949 to 1956). His film career also blossomed as he gave supporting performances in such pictures as the Oscar-garnered "Charly" (1968) and "Joe Kidd" (1972). Van Patten became associated with Mel Brooks, as he appeared in the films "High Anxiety" (1977), "Spaceballs" (1987) and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993). He played 'Dr. O'Neil' in the TV-movie, "The Love Boat" (1976), which evolved into a series in 1977. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985. His sister Joyce Van Patten experienced a career in entertainment. His sons Nels, James, and Vincent Van Patten followed their father's career choice and also became actors. An animal advocate, Van Patten co-founded the company, Natural Balance Pet Foods.
Actor. He is best-known for his role as "Tom Bradford," the family patriarch in the television series "Eight is Enough," which ran from 1977 to 1981. Born Richard Vincent Van Patten, his father was a furniture salesman; his mother was a Physical Education teacher. He developed a fondness for the theater and began auditioning for plays at the age of seven. He marked his lengthy association with Broadway in the production "Tapestry in Gray" in 1936 and went on to appear in a half dozen plays during the late 1930s. He also acted on many network radio shows, including the soap opera, "Young Widder Brown," playing the part of David Brown in the 1940s. With more than a decade of stage experience, he moved on to television during the medium's early years and played 'Nels Hansen' in the series "Mama" (1949 to 1956). His film career also blossomed as he gave supporting performances in such pictures as the Oscar-garnered "Charly" (1968) and "Joe Kidd" (1972). Van Patten became associated with Mel Brooks, as he appeared in the films "High Anxiety" (1977), "Spaceballs" (1987) and "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993). He played 'Dr. O'Neil' in the TV-movie, "The Love Boat" (1976), which evolved into a series in 1977. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985. His sister Joyce Van Patten experienced a career in entertainment. His sons Nels, James, and Vincent Van Patten followed their father's career choice and also became actors. An animal advocate, Van Patten co-founded the company, Natural Balance Pet Foods.
Bio by: C.S.
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DICK VAN PATTEN
12-9-28 6-23-15
"TENNIS IN THE MORNING, POKER IN THE EVENING, RACING IN THE AFTERNOON"
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