Dick Van Patten of "Eight Is Enough" fame dies at 86
Actor Dick Van Patten, who played dad Tom Bradford on "Eight Is Enough, died Tuesday morning, his agent confirmed to CBS News. He was 86.
"Yes it is true . Not only a wonderful actor but a special person. So many friends will miss him," said rep Scott Stander.
Van Patten died at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, of complications from diabetes.
Van Patten starred in the ABC "Eight Is Enough" from 1977 - 1981, alongside Susan Richardson, Adam Rich and Lani O'Grady. He also made appearances on "Happy Days," "The Love Boat," "That '70s Show," "7th Heaven" and more recently guest-starred on "Arrested Development" and "Hot in Cleveland."
His film roles included "Spaceballs," ''The Santa Trap," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Soylent Green."
Van Patten received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2009. He's also published the auto-biography "Eighty is Not Enough."
An animal enthusiast, Van Patten co-founded Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods in 1989. He's also behind the National Guide Dog Month, which started in 2008 to raise awareness and money for non-profit guide dog schools in the United States.
Van Patten is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Van Patten, along with three actor sons, Nels, Jimmy and Vincent.