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IMDbPro

Dick Van Patten(1928-2015)

  • Actor
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
"WIOU" Dick Van Patten
A woman's successful life is upended when she finds out she's pregnant in this dramatic trailer
Play trailer1:56
Sarah's Choice (2009)
6 Videos
59 Photos
Dick Van Patten began acting as a child. He made his first of 27 Broadway appearances at age seven in "Tapestry in Grey." After, he appeared in numerous films, including Freaky Friday (1976), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), and Spaceballs (1987). His television credits include his best-known role on the 1980s comedy-drama Eight Is Enough (1977), on which he played Tom Bradford, the patriarchal head of the pack.

Van Patten authored several bestselling books, including "How To Get Your Child Into Show Business" and his autobiography, "Eighty Is Not Enough." He was also known for lending his name to "Natural Balance," a line of high-end dog food that is intended to be indistinguishable from stews and other dishes, that are normally intended for human consumption. He was married to Pat Poole (née Patricia Poole) for 61 years; the union produced three sons: Nels Van Patten, James Van Patten, and Vincent Van Patten.
BornDecember 9, 1928
DiedJune 23, 2015(86)
BornDecember 9, 1928
DiedJune 23, 2015(86)
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
  • Awards
    • 1 win & 1 nomination total

Photos59

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Known for

Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, and Daphne Zuniga in Spaceballs (1987)
Spaceballs
7.1
  • King Roland
  • 1987
Westworld (1973)
Westworld
6.9
  • Banker
  • 1973
Cary Elwes in Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Robin Hood: Men in Tights
6.7
  • The Abbot
  • 1993
Soylent Green (1973)
Soylent Green
7.0
  • Usher #1
  • 1973

Credits

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IMDbPro

Actor



  • Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, and Betty White in Hot in Cleveland (2010)
    Hot in Cleveland
    7.4
    TV Series
    • Lester
    • 2011
  • Sarah's Choice (2009)
    Sarah's Choice
    5.1
    Video
    • Rev. Al Smith
    • 2009
  • Pauly Shore and Ariel Winter in Opposite Day (2009)
    Opposite Day
    3.8
    • Jack Benson
    • 2009
  • The Christmas Conspiracy
    6.6
    Short
    • Narrator
    • 2008
  • Sarah Silverman in The Sarah Silverman Program. (2007)
    The Sarah Silverman Program.
    6.9
    TV Series
    • Dr. Eddie Hackmeyer
    • 2008
  • Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Wilmer Valderrama, Topher Grace, and Laura Prepon in That '70s Show (1998)
    That '70s Show
    8.1
    TV Series
    • Murph
    • 2006
  • Freezerburn (2005)
    Freezerburn
    6.8
    • Alan Merkel
    • 2005
  • Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, and Alia Shawkat in Arrested Development (2003)
    Arrested Development
    8.6
    TV Series
    • Cal Cullen
    • 2005
  • Quiet Kill (2004)
    Quiet Kill
    3.6
    • Frank Rubin
    • 2004
  • Jessica Biel, Beverley Mitchell, Barry Watson, David Gallagher, Catherine Hicks, Mackenzie Rosman, and Happy in 7th Heaven (1996)
    7th Heaven
    5.3
    TV Series
    • James Rodgers, Sr.
    • 2004
  • The Sure Hand of God (2004)
    The Sure Hand of God
    5.4
    • Jamie Denton
    • 2004
  • Bonnie Hunt, David Alan Grier, Mark Derwin, Marianne Muellerleile, Anthony Russell, Holly Wortell, Charlie Stewart, Samantha Browne-Walters, and Chris Barnes in Life with Bonnie (2002)
    Life with Bonnie
    6.4
    TV Series
    • Dick Van Patten
    • 2003
  • David Spade in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star (2003)
    Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
    5.6
    • Dick Van Patten
    • 2003
  • The Santa Trap (2002)
    The Santa Trap
    4.4
    TV Movie
    • Santa Claus
    • 2002
  • Mel Harris in Another Pretty Face (2002)
    Another Pretty Face
    5.4
    TV Movie
    • Levi Downs
    • 2002

Videos6

According to Dom
Clip 3:10
According to Dom
Opposite Day
Trailer 2:27
Opposite Day
Opposite Day
Trailer 2:27
Opposite Day
Sarah's Choice
Trailer 1:56
Sarah's Choice
Mike Hammer: The Broken Frame
Trailer 1:11
Mike Hammer: The Broken Frame
Sarah's Choice
Trailer 1:55
Sarah's Choice
In Memoriam: 2015
Video 2:42
In Memoriam: 2015

Personal details

Edit
  • Alternative names
    • John Acerno
  • Height
    • 5′ 9¼″ (1.76 m)
  • Born
    • December 9, 1928
    • Queens, New York City, New York, USA
  • Died
    • June 23, 2015
    • Santa Monica, California, USA(complications from diabetes)
  • Spouse
    • Pat PooleApril 25, 1954 - June 23, 2015 (his death, 3 children)
  • Children
      James Van Patten
  • Relatives
      Joyce Van Patten(Sibling)
  • Other works
    TV commercial: Natural Balance Pet Foods
  • Publicity listings
    • 3 Articles

Did you know

Edit
  • Trivia
    Founder of "Natural Balance" dog and cat food.
  • Quotes
    [on the 1981 cancellation of Eight Is Enough (1977)] Nobody called me to tell me it was canceled. I read it in the paper.
  • Trademarks
      His friendly personality.

FAQ15

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