Dick Van Patten began conquering the entertainment industry at a young age, performing in Broadway theaters. His talent, charisma and hard work helped him land numerous roles in Hollywood TV and film productions. Being a versatile actor, he easily handled both comedic and dramatic roles. Van Patten has always demonstrated impeccable performance, whether in a humorous sitcom or a thought-provoking film. Read more about the television icon, his 70-year career and major works at queenski.com.
Successful TV Career
Dick Van Patten was born on December 9, 1928 in Queens. His father was an interior decorator and mother worked in advertising. When he was 7 years old, he started working on Broadway and discovered his passion for acting. Even before reaching adolescence, Van Patten appeared in over a dozen theatrical plays. He showcased his versatility as a performer in numerous stage productions. Van Patten’s talent on stage was the reason for his future success in the entertainment industry.
To reach his full potential, Van Patten went to Hollywood, where he began a long career in show business. His TV debut was marked by the series Mama (1949–1957). It tells the story of a Norwegian-American family living in San Francisco in the 1910s.
In 1975, he appeared in the sitcom When Things Were Rotten, a 13-episode parody of the Robin Hood story. From 1977 to 1981, the comedy-drama series Eight is Enough was released. Dick played the lead role of Tom Bradford, a loving and compassionate father. The actor became a favorite among viewers across the United States thanks to this role. The show was based on the life of a real person who was a newspaper columnist and father of eight children. The series raised real-life issues that resonated with millions of viewers.
The actor also appeared in sitcoms such as Sanford and Son (known for its racial jokes), Arrested Development, The Brian Keith Show, Growing Pains and Happy Days; detective series Banacek, Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco, Adam-12 and the medical drama series Emergency!
Dick Van Patten was a real workaholic. The actor still appeared in small roles and special programs even when he was working on the hit series Eight is Enough. In addition, he organized concerts for industry events and raised funds for charitable purposes.
Appearance in the cinema
Although Dick achieved great success on television, he also made a significant impact on the film industry, working with respected directors. Van Patten starred in the western film Joe Kidd. The story revolves around a former bounty hunter hired by a wealthy landowner to track down a Mexican revolutionary fighting for land reform.
Another important role for Van Patten was in the comedy Snowball Express, which tells the story of a man who quits his job to manage a hotel left to him by a relative. Dick also had a small part in the dystopian movie Soylent Green. It depicts the consequences of 20th-century industrialization, such as overpopulation, environmental pollution, and global warming.
The actor acted in several films directed by Mel Brooks, known for creating farces (light comedies with only external comic techniques) and parodies. For example, Van Patten played in the satirical comedy High Anxiety and the film Spaceballs, a sci-fi movie parodying the Star Wars trilogy. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Spaceballs owed its success to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise. The film became one of Brooks’ most popular and well-known works.
Throughout his career, the New Yorker received awards for his performances on both television and in movies. In 1985, Van Patten was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television projects.
Personal life
From 1954 until his last days, the actor was married to a professional Broadway dancer named Patricia Helen Poole. Interestingly, Van Patten first met his future wife in elementary school when he tried to copy her homework. As adults, when Dick was already an actor, they met again at the rehearsal of one of the shows where Patricia was working as a dancer. At that time, she had a fiancé and was preparing for her wedding. To win the heart of his beloved, Dick enlisted the show’s director to create a role for him that required Patricia’s participation. They spent a lot of time together and fell in love with each other.
The couple lived in California and raised three sons, all of whom became actors. The family was very important to Van Patten. In 2006, the actor suffered a diabetic stroke. He was able to completely overcome Type 2 diabetes after a while. The television personality passed away in 2015 at the age of 86. In addition to being a faithful husband and a very caring father, he was also a happy and cheerful person who spread his positive energy to all viewers.
6 Interesting facts
- Van Patten was a genuine animal lover and animal rights activist. He co-founded the Natural Balance Pet Foods company, which supplies high-quality food for pets. The actor even wrote several books about pet care, demonstrating his expertise in this area. Interestingly, as a child, the actor dreamed of owning a pet store. His aunt used to take him to such a shop near their home in Queens. Van Patten’s first pets included frogs, turtles, chameleons, snakes and rabbits before he got a cat and a dog. At one point, he even kept an alligator in the bathtub until his grandmother asked him to get rid of it. Dick donated the animal to a local zoo but continued to visit his pet there.
- The actor was not only devoted to his career and loved animals but also always tried to give back to society. He actively supported various charitable organizations, inspiring others to philanthropy.
- Van Patten established strong connections in the Hollywood industry. He befriended many colleagues, including director Melvin Brooks. His long and successful career in show business was definitely due to his sociable nature.
- The actor’s distinctive voice became recognizable in the entertainment industry. With his unique vocal talent, he brought characters to life in many animated films and TV shows.
- Van Patten was not afraid to open up to his fans. He openly shared both his successes and failures. His courage to show vulnerability resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing Van Patten’s reputation as an incredibly sincere and kind-hearted person. Many people looked up to him after he revealed his staunchness.
- The TV star was an experienced golfer. Van Patten showed his passion for the sport by participating in famous golf tournaments. His love for golf helped him find a balance between a busy career and rest for the mind and body.
Therefore, Dick Van Patten was not only a highly respected actor but also a well-loved individual in the entertainment industry. His professionalism, kindness and sincerity earned him fame and respect among colleagues and fans. From his early stage performances on Broadway to his iconic role as Tom Bradford in the sitcom Eight is Enough, Van Patten always captivated audiences with his talent and charm.