Dick Van Patten was an American actor born on December 9, 1928 in Kew Gardens, New York, and he died on June 23, 2015 in Santa Monica, California. He began his acting career as a child in the 1930s, eventually transitioning to television in the 1950s. Van Patten became best known for his role as Tom Bradford in the popular television series “Eight Is Enough” from 1977 to 1981, which earned him a primetime Emmy nomination. In addition to his notable television work, he also appeared in numerous films, including “Melvin and Howard” (1980) and “Spaceballs” (1987). Throughout his career, Van Patten remained a beloved figure, known for his warm personality and his contributions to both the theater and animal welfare.