Dick Van Patten was a renowned American actor, comedian, and animal welfare advocate best known for his role as Tom Bradford on the hit television series Eight Is Enough. With a career spanning several decades, he became a household name in Hollywood. His versatility in acting, his contributions to entertainment, and his business ventures made him a notable figure.
This article delves into the life of Dick Van Patten, his career, family, achievements, and his net worth.
Quick Bio Table: Dick Van Patten
| Full Name | Richard Vincent Van Patten |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Dick Van Patten |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1928 |
| Place of Birth | Kew Gardens, Queens, New York, USA |
| Date of Death | June 23, 2015 |
| Age at Death | 86 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1937–2011 |
| Famous For | Eight Is Enough (TV series) |
| Spouse | Pat Van Patten (m. 1954–2015) |
| Children | 3 (Nels Van Patten, Vincent Van Patten, James Van Patten) |
| Parents | Richard Byron Van Patten (Father), Josephine Rose Acerno (Mother) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (at the time of his death) |
Early Life and Background
Dick Van Patten was born on December 9, 1928, in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York City. He was raised in a middle-class family with strong values. His mother, Josephine Rose Acerno, was of Italian descent, while his father, Richard Byron Van Patten, had Dutch and English roots.
From a young age, Van Patten displayed an interest in acting. His mother encouraged him to pursue a career in entertainment, and he started working as a child actor in the late 1930s. By the age of 7, he had already appeared in Broadway productions.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his passing in 2015, Dick Van Patten was 86 years old.
Throughout his life, he was recognized for his friendly demeanor and warm smile. He stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and maintained a healthy physique. His light brown hair and blue eyes gave him a distinguished appearance that made him well-suited for television roles.
Education
Dick Van Patten was educated in New York City and attended Professional Children’s School, a private school for young actors. Since he was actively involved in theater from a young age, he balanced his education with his growing career in entertainment.
Although he did not pursue higher education, his practical experience in acting served as the foundation for his successful career.
His Father: Richard Byron Van Patten
Dick Van Patten’s father, Richard Byron Van Patten, was an interior decorator. Although he was not involved in the entertainment industry, he supported his son’s early acting career.
His Mother: Josephine Rose Acerno
His mother, Josephine Rose Acerno, was a prominent figure in his life. She was an active stage mother and played a crucial role in getting Dick into acting. She helped him secure roles in Broadway plays, which ultimately led to his long-standing career in Hollywood.
Children
Dick Van Patten was married to Pat Van Patten for more than 60 years, and they had three sons:
- Nels Van Patten – Actor and former tennis professional
- Vincent Van Patten – Actor, former professional tennis player, and World Poker Tour commentator
- James Van Patten – Actor and writer
His children followed in his footsteps and became involved in the entertainment and sports industries.
Who Is Dick Van Patten?
Dick Van Patten was an American actor, best known for playing Tom Bradford in the popular TV series Eight Is Enough (1977–1981). His career spanned over seven decades, and he appeared in over 100 TV shows and films.
He was also known for his work in comedy films directed by Mel Brooks, including High Anxiety (1977) and Spaceballs (1987).
Apart from acting, he was a successful entrepreneur and an animal rights activist. He founded Natural Balance Pet Foods, which became a well-known premium pet food brand.
Career Highlights
Broadway and Early Acting Career
- Van Patten started acting in Broadway plays as a child.
- He appeared in the hit Broadway show Tapestry in Gray at the age of 7.
- His early success led him to Hollywood, where he transitioned into television and film.
Television Career
- Gained national recognition for his role in Mama (1949–1957).
- Starred as Tom Bradford in Eight Is Enough (1977–1981), which became his most iconic role.
- Appeared in various guest roles in TV series such as The Love Boat, Happy Days, and Diagnosis: Murder.
Film Career
- Worked in films like Charly (1968), Joe Kidd (1972), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), and Spaceballs (1987).
- Known for his comedic timing and versatility.
Business Ventures
- Co-founded Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989, promoting healthy pet nutrition.
- The brand became one of the leading natural pet food companies in the U.S.
Current Life
Dick Van Patten passed away on June 23, 2015, at the age of 86 due to complications from diabetes. His legacy continues through his contributions to television, his advocacy for animal welfare, and his business ventures.
Dick Van Patten Net Worth
At the time of his death, Dick Van Patten had a net worth of approximately $5 million. His wealth came from:
- Acting Career – He earned significant income from TV and film roles.
- Business Ventures – His pet food company, Natural Balance, was highly successful.
- Endorsements & Appearances – He continued to appear in commercials and guest TV roles even in his later years.
Conclusion
Dick Van Patten was a talented actor, comedian, and businessman whose contributions to entertainment and animal welfare left a lasting impact. His portrayal of Tom Bradford in Eight Is Enough made him a beloved television icon, and his entrepreneurial success in pet food showed his versatility beyond Hollywood.
His legacy remains strong through his children, who continue to work in entertainment and sports. Though he passed away in 2015, his influence and contributions to Hollywood and animal welfare continue to be celebrated.
FAQs: Dick Van Patten Net Worth
1. What was Dick Van Patten’s most famous role?
His most famous role was Tom Bradford in the TV series Eight Is Enough (1977–1981).
2. How did Dick Van Patten make his money?
He made his money through acting, business ventures (Natural Balance Pet Foods), and endorsements.
3. Was Dick Van Patten married?
Yes, he was married to Pat Van Patten from 1954 until his death in 2015.
4. How many children did Dick Van Patten have?
He had three sons: Nels, Vincent, and James Van Patten.
5. When did Dick Van Patten die?
He passed away on June 23, 2015, at the age of 86.
6. What was Dick Van Patten’s net worth at the time of his death?
His estimated net worth was $5 million.
