The star of the iconic 1980s family show "Eight is Enough," Dick Van Patten, has passed away. According to a report from ew.com, the actor was 86 years old.
According to his representative, Patten had succumbed to complications due to diabetes. He was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California.
Jeff Ballard, Van Patten's publicist said, "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.
He was the ubiquitous actor, a familiar face both on the big screen and the boob tube. While he is most well known as Tom Bradford in "Eight is Enough," Patten has been acting since he was a child, with noted shows such as "Mama" back in the 1940s, according to a report from cnn.com.
Patten's other acting credits, either as a frequent guest star or a show regular, include "Naked City," a police drama series; "I Dream of Jeannie"; the sitcom to "Love; and American Style," the comedy anthology. He was a mainstay in Mel Brooks movies, the star in many commercials and several Broadway plays as well.
In an interview with The Pet Press back in 2006, he was quoted as saying, "I've probably had more jobs than any other actor living." Aside from his acting jobs, he became a pet food mogul, establishing Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, which provide organic food for dogs and other household pets.
He is survived by his wife and three sons, Nels, James and Vincent. Acting is in their bloodline, as his three sons ventured into acting as well. His sister Joyce Van Patten and half-brother Timothy also directed for "The Sopranos" and "Boardwalk Empire."
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