Eighty Is Not Enough: One Actor's Journey Through American Entertainment

by Dick Van Patten

Recognizable for his cherubic countenance and roles playing mild-mannered fathers in movies and on TV, Dick Van Patten has one of the lengthiest and most impressive track records in the acting business. In fact, he estimates that “I’ve probably had more jobs than any other actor living.” As a child, Van Patten performed alongside Broadway stars such as Melvyn Douglas, Tallulah Bankhead, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, often winning roles over newcomers such as Marlon Brando and Roddy McDowell. He worked in radio and became a familiar face in the early days of television, even becoming “everydad” in the1970s comedy/drama Eight is Enough. He’s been a roommate to Burt Lancaster, a next-door neighbor to Michael Jackson and a successful businessman. In Eighty Is Not Enough, this beloved actor reflects on a career that has lasted over seven decades. Along the way he shares insights and anecdotes about some of the biggest names in TV, movies and theater, along with the challenges he has faced as a husband, father, animal rights crusader and working actor in an ever evolving business.

Genres: Biography

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jmlanier1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take a remarkable journey with this radio, stage, film, and television star. While he may be most well known for his television series “Eight is Enough,” he dedicated 3/4 of a century to his craft. Of interesting note was Dick’s love of horse racing and gambling, his living next door to the Jackson 5 before they were famous, his role in the film version of “Flowers for Agernon,” and his son beating John McEnroe in a professional tennis tournament. Very detailed and entertaining look at the entertainment industry from the 1930s to present. Also…read Flowers for Algernon if you haven’t already done so.

[Heather Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently started rewatching Eight is Enough on Tubi so I thought it was time to finally read Dick’s memoir. Thought there are mentions of the show throughout the book, there is literally one chapter dedicated to the show. More than 90% of the book is about his decades long career before Eight is Enough which was a combination of tv, film, and a lot of live theater. It’s a fascinating walk through theater history and events of the 20th century as well. Dick was also very self-reflective on his own life and choices and how they helped shape him moving forward. If you’re a theater fan or fan of old school Hollywood, I highly recommend this book.

[Rima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

I enjoyed getting to the 60s forward because that was when I became a fan. I enjoyed his story. So much I wasn't aware of.

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fascinating life of Dick Van Patten

Dick Van Patten is no stranger to television viewers, especially the fans of "Eight is enough" and "I Remember Mama." The author narrates his life story beautifully, sometimes very engaging and sometimes very poignant when he describes the last few days of his dying mother on her hospital bed. It is also very touching when he narrates the very last few minutes in the life of actress Diana Hyland who died in the arms her boyfriend John Travolta who was almost 20 years younger. Travolta was dressed in his famous three-piece white suit from the movie "Saturday Night Fever," recalls Dick Van Patten. In fact that was Diana Hyland's last wish. We also learn from this book that their love for each other was genuine, sincere and strong. The author observes that John Travolta was devastated by the loss of Diana Hyland.

Dick Van Patten is at ease when describes life of his son whose meteoric rise in the professional tennis circuit or his experiences in Africa when he was on a humanitarian mission. His career is not limited to TV; he was also known for his work in theater and Broadway shows. He worked as a child actor with such icons as; Melvyn Douglas, Tallulah Bankhead, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. He narrates his own experiences working with numerous actors, actresses, producers, directors, and writers in Hollywood. There is one thing that is conspicuous about him is that he is a family man who loved his parents, his wife, children, friends and his country. He discusses such topics as race in America, and the turning point in US history when a black man becomes the president, gender issues, and North-South economic disparities.

The author encounters struggles in life from a very young age as an actor, as a working young man, but he does not complain about lack of opportunities in Hollywood or lack of suitable roles that fit his talents and personality. He portrays his optimistic outlook even in the face of tragedy and misfortunes. When he is speaking his mind, you find him very human, and very touching in his narratives. Dick seems to have a passion, a mission in his life; to find beauty and warmth in life. In fact he is not too different from his role as a mild mannered-dad of his TV show "Eight is enough." He is a fine example for an outstanding soul that helps us to see the light in our lives and find happiness with it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read celebrity (auto)biographies...from former kid stars (and their subsequent adult lives to this point) to the older actors and actresses out there....this book is about the latter, Dick Van Patten, who reflects on his Show Biz life (and is now in his 80s).

This is a refreshing book on a movie/theater/tv star's life...if you are looking for a tell-all book this isn't for you...instead its a collection of stories from a long life lived from the days of theater and radio during the Great Depression to today's television and theater. Mr. Van Patten does a fantastic job of telling his story...sure a good portion is about his most famous role as Tom Bradford in Eight is Enough, but the rest of his story is sure to please any fan of Dick Van Patten.

Excellent read on a legendary American Entertainer.