Best known by the public for his role as Nels Hansen in "Mama" (1949) and for his starring role as Tom Bradford on "Eight Is Enough" (1977).
Brother of actress Joyce Van Patten. They appeared together as children in Reg'lar Fellers (1941), and, decades later, in Making It (1971).
Ex-brother-in-law of Martin Balsam.
Father of actor James Van Patten, with whom he appeared in Lunch Wagon (1981).
Former child and juvenile actor, still performing.
Founder of "Natural Balance" dog and cat food.
Half-brother of Timothy Van Patten. Uncle of Talia Balsam.
He also has a younger brother by the name of John Van Patten. Who lives in Seattle.
He appeared in 'Weird Al' Yankovic's "Smells Like Nirvana" and "Bedrock Anthem" music videos.
He was cast in "Eight Is Enough" (1977) because he was friends with the president of ABC, the network which ran the show. The producers wanted another actor for the part, but Van Patten was cast.
Honorary mayor of Sherman Oaks, California, USA. [2001]
Son of Richard Byron Van Patten and wife Josephine Rose Acerno.
Suffered a diabetic stroke in January, 2006.
Tom Bradford, Van Patten's character on "Eight Is Enough" (1977), was ranked #33 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
Was offered the lead role for Capt. Merrill Stubing on "The Love Boat" (1977), but was already under contract starring on "Eight Is Enough" (1977), hence, the role was ultimately given to Gavin MacLeod.