EIGHT IS ENOUGH Star Dick Van Patten Passes Away At 86

BREAKING: Dick Van Patten, the father in #EightIsEnough and #LoveBoat star, has died at 86 http://t.co/0Sr29DZ6MG pic.twitter.com/FxKAOGw54C

— Variety (@Variety) June 23, 2015

From Variety:

Dick Van Patten, who played the paterfamilias on the 1980s TV dramedy “Eight Is Enough,” died on Tuesday morning. He was 86.

Patten died at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. due to complications from diabetes.

The always-genial, round-faced actor also appeared in Disney films including “Freaky Friday” (the original, Jodie Foster version) as well as Mel Brooks comedies “High Anxiety,” “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” and “Space Balls.”

He had most recently appeared onscreen in a guest role as Lester on TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.” Other relatively recent credits include “7th Heaven” in 2004, “Arrested Development” in 2005, “That ’70s Show” in 2006 and “The Sarah Silverman Program” in 2008.

Van Patten starred as Tom Bradford, the father of eight children, on ABC’s “Eight Is Enough” from 1977-81. The show was based on the life of journalist Tom Braden, who had written a book of the same name. Van Patten also appeared in the 1987 reunion movie and 1989’s “An Eight Is Enough Wedding.”

Broadway legend Betty Buckley, who co-starred opposite Van Patten issued this statement:

I am deeply saddened to hear about Dick Van Patten passing away. I am grateful that I got to see him and his lovely wife Pat when I was in Los Angeles in late January.

He taught me so much when I worked with him on "Eight Is Enough". He was our rock, our leader, our role model. He was the consummate professional, a wonderful actor and master of comedy. Every day on set he was a happy, jovial person, always generous and ready to play, tease and always keep us all laughing. His love for life and his family were an inspiration.

I loved him very much. I send my deepest condolences to his family.