The charismatic character actor Dick Van Patten (December 9, 1928 - June 23, 2015) has died at age 86. Best known for his T.V. character Tom Bradford in 'Eight is Enough' he also appeared in films such as 'Charley', 'Soylent Green', 'Westworld', 'Spaceballs', and 'Robin Hood: Men In Tights' (the last two for Mel Brooks) in addition to numerous other movies and TV series.
He was Nels in the television series adaptation of "I Remember Mama" (and of the character of which he named after one of his sons). R.I.P. Dick Van Patten.
A very likeable actor and one I enjoyed on numerous occasions. Loved Eight Is Enough. Struck me as the first time television ever took fatherhood seriously. RIP
Oy. He was so funny. I loved him in Spaceballs, but my favorite role of his had to be in his cameo on an episode of The Sarah Silverman Program. I couldn't believe my eyes, but soon knew it was him when he spoke as the scene progressed.
I remember he did a low-budget syndicated TV special from Barbados, which wasn't terribly good. But he also did The Streets Of San Francisco's "The Thrill Killers" (as a member of a jury that was taken hostage), which was good. If only they'd executed Doris Roberts's character instead of his.
