Actor and Queens native Dick Van Patten, best known for his role in the late 1970s show “Eight is Enough,” died Tuesday morning, according to published reports.
Van Patten, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, reportedly was born and grew up in Kew Gardens and started his acting career as a child appearing on Broadway.
He later became known as the character Tom Bradford, a newspaper columnist and dad, on the hit show “Eight is Enough,” which ran from 1977 to 1981.
Van Patten also starred in several of director Mel Brooks’ comedies including “Spaceballs,” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” He was also an animal enthusiast who founded a pet food company and advocated for guide dogs.
The 86-year-old’s death was confirmed by his representative in a statement released to media Tuesday. He died at Saint John’s Hospital in California of complications associated with diabetes, according to reports.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Van Patten, and three sons: Nels, Jimmy and Vincent.
In Queens, state Senator Leroy Comrie send his condolences to the actor’s family via Twitter and called Van Patten a “Queens kid.”
RIP Dick Patton: #QueensKid, TV legend and all around funny guy. Condolences to Patricia Van Patten & their 3 sons. https://t.co/oHUtIc2Mj7
— Senator Leroy Comrie (@SenatorComrie) June 23, 2015
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