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‘Eight is Enough’ Star Dick Van Patten Has Died at Age 86
Dick Van Patten, star of the 1970's TV show Eight is Enough, sadly died this morning. He was 86-years-old.
The actor passed away on Tuesday, June 23 from diabetic complications at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., his rep confirmed to Entertainment Weekly. He was previously hospitalized after suffering a diabetic stroke in January 2006.
Dick as Tom Bradford on Eight is Enough in 1979.
“I am sorry to report this sad news. He was the kindest man you could ever meet in life. A loving family man. They don’t make them like him anymore. His family will not be doing any press at this time," the late star's publicist, Jeff Ballard, said in a statement.
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Dick began his career as a child actor in the late 1940s — first appearing on Broadway at age seven — and later rose to fame playing patriarch Tom Bradford on Eight is Enough from 1977 until 1981. His other notable acting credits include starring roles in movies Space Balls and Robin Hood Men in Tights and a guest star gig on the hit sitcom Hot in Cleveland in 2011.
Dick and his wife, Pat, in June 2013.
Dick is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, actress Pat Van Patten, and the couple’s three sons, Nels Van Patten, Jimmy Van Patten and Vincent Van Patten.
