Dick Van Patten Dies at 86, Eight Is Enough Actor Passes Away Due to Diabetes Complications

Actor is survived by a wife and three sons

By Lily Harrison Jun 23, 2015 3:58 PMTags
Dick Van PattenABC via Getty Images

One of TV's most beloved father figures, Dick Van Patten, has passed away at age 86.

E! News can confirm that the Eight Is Enough actor died earlier this morning at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., due to complications from diabetes.

The actor and animal activist's publicist Jeff Ballard told The Wrap, "He was the kindest man you could ever meet in life. A loving family man. They don't make them like him anymore."

Van Patten began his over 60-year acting career as a child star and a model but made his big Broadway debut when he was just 7 years old in Tapestry in Gray.

After that, he went on to star in almost 30 more Broadway productions.

In 1949, Van Patten went from theater stage to TV set with his role as Nels Hansen in I Remember Mama for almost eight years.

ABC

In addition to the highly successful Eight Is Enough series, Van Patten also acted in several other popular shows including The New Dick Van Dyke Show, The Love Boat, Happy Days, and several recent hits like Arrested Development, Hot in Cleveland and That '70s Show.

He also had parts in not one, but three Mel Brooks films: Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Spaceballs and High Anxiety, as well as a few Disney movies.

And aside from his TV, Broadway and film career, he also co-founded Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989 as well as starting National Guide Dog Month—which began in 2008 as a way to raise awareness and funds for non-profit guide dog schools in America.

Van Patten is survived by his wife Patricia Van Patten, whom he was married to for over six decades, as well as three sons, Nels, Jimmy and Vincent.