“Eight Is Enough” Star Dick Van Patten Dies

Dick Van Patten, the star of the TV series "Eight Is Enough," has died at 86, his publicist said Tuesday morning.

Van Patten, who was born in New York City, died early Tuesday, his longtime publicist Jeffrey Ballard said in a Facebook post.

"Earlier this morning actor Dick Van Patten my friend and client of over 38 years died and a piece of me died as well," Ballard said. "I am a better person for having had him in my life"

Born in New York, the veteran entertainer began his career as a model and child actor, making his Broadway debut in 1935 at the age of seven, billed as "Dickie Van Patten." He would go on to appear in 27 other Broadway plays, including the comedy classic "Mister Roberts,"

In 1949, he began a seven-year run on one of TV's earliest series, "Mama," playing one of the sons of a Norwegian-American family in early 1900s San Francisco.

Van Patten's greatest TV success was as Tom Bradford, a widower and father of eight who met and married Abby, played by Betty Buckley, with whom he set up a loving if chaotic household. The ABC comedy-drama aired from 1977-1981.

"Every day on set he was a happy, jovial person, always generous and ready to play, tease and always keep us all laughing," said Buckley. "He was the consummate professional, a wonderful actor, master of comedy, and a kind and generous human being."

"He was truly a gem and will be missed," tweeted Willie Aames, who, now 54, played the Bradford son Tommy on the series, which launched him as a teen heart-throb. "As Dick always said: Remember our time together gang... Cause these ARE the good ole' days."

His many TV appearances also included "Sanford and Son" ''The Streets of San Francisco," ''Adam-12," ''Happy Days" ''The Love Boat" "Touched By An Angel," ''Arrested Development" and, most recently, "Hot in Cleveland."

Film projects included "Spaceballs," ''High Anxiety," the original "Freaky Friday," ''The Santa Trap" and "Soylent Green."

An animal enthusiast, Van Patten co-founded Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989 as well as founding National Guide Dog Month which began in 2008 to raise awareness and money for nonprofit guide dog schools in the United States.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Van Patten (a former June Taylor Dancer), and his three actor sons — Nels, Jimmy and Vincent.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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