TORONTO — Actor Dick Van Patten, best known for playing patriarch Tom Bradford on the ’80s series Eight is Enough, died Tuesday morning. He was 86.
Van Patten died in a California hospital, reportedly of complications from Type 2 diabetes.
The star’s representative confirmed the “sad news” in a statement to media.
Born in New York, he worked as a child actor in several stage productions — and made his Broadway debut at the age of seven in Tapestry In Gray.
After moving to Hollywood, Van Patten he worked steadily in television. He starred in the series Mama from 1949 to 1957 and Eight is Enough from 1977 to 1981. He was also a favourite on The Love Boat.
Van Patten also appeared in dozens of episodes of shows like Sanford and Son, Cannon, Emergency!, Happy Days and, more recently, Arrested Development and Hot in Cleveland.
His long list of movie credits include 1972’s Joe Kidd and Snowball Express and 1976’s Freaky Friday. Van Patten also appeared in several Mel Brooks movies, including Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
He made a cameo in the video for Weird Al Yankovic’s “Smells Like Nirvana.”
Van Patten founded both Natural Balance Pet Foods, currently owned by Del Monte, and National Guide Dog Month.
Van Patten is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Patricia, and their sons Vincent, Nels and Jimmy as well as his sister, actress Joyce Van Patten, and half-brother Timothy Van Patten.
He was also the father-in-law of The Young and the Restless star Eileen Davidson.
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