Dick Van Patten Honored on Palm Springs Walk of Stars

On Saturday January 12th, actor Dick Van Patten received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. It was a beautiful sunny morning in downtown Palm Springs, perfect weather for the event. The public ceremony attracted over 150 spectators and guests, and was crawling with press taking photos and filming the event. The entire Van Patten family were present: Dick and his lovely wife Pat, sons Vince Van Patten and wife actress Eileen Davidson, actor Nels Van Patten and actress wife Nancy, and actor/writer/producer Jimmy Van Patten. The Van Patten family are such wonderful people, down-to-Earth, warm and genuine. I was so pleased that we were able to honor Mr Van Patten with a star in a city he holds so dear. Dick has been coming to Palm Springs for many years, attending celebrity tennis tournaments, the Palm Springs Film Festival, charitable events and just spending time relaxing with friends in our desert. He continues to bring prominence to Palm Springs through the Dick Van Patten Celebrity Poker Tournament. As far as the ceremony yesterday, everything went very smoothly, and exactly as I had planned. Special thanks to our co-sponsors, Integrated Wealth Management and Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Food company, with whom I worked closely to pull off the day's events. My own employer, whose name is shown in the photos below was supportive in making the day a success.
The Media Frenzy

Above left: On set at CBS TV, where Dick Van Patten was interviewed by Patrick Evans. Above right: at the star dedication ceremony, we were besieged by press and paparazzi.

above: Radio personality Harrison Forbes was on site broadcasting live. He interviewed me, Deborah Gibson and Dick Van Patten, which was broadcast live in Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. I have to say, it was a thrill to be interviewed on the air live.

The Ceremony

above: Actor Tom Bosley, of Happy Days fame and desert resident speaks about his friend Dick Van Patten.

above: Crooner Jerry Vale, another resident of Palm Springs addresses the audience.

above: The fabulous and stunning actress/dancer Ruta Lee, who also lives in Palm Springs, turned up to honor her dear friend Dick.

above: Son Vince Van Patten, actor, host of the World Poker Tour, and former tennis star speaks about his dad. Brother Jimmy Van Patten also said a few words and told a great joke.

above: Dick Van Patten poses with "Blue Mews the cat" and "Red Ruff the dog" after the ceremony.

above: Following the star dedication, I hosted a private lunch reception for about 90 people to honor the great Dick Van Patten. It was held at Spencer's restaurant, in a beautiful room overlooking the tennis courts, pool and palm trees. It was stunning.

above: from left, Patricia Carr, Tom Bosley, Dick Van Patten, Pat Van Patten and Charlie Chaplin impersonator, the ambassador of Copykatz theatre in Palm Springs.

above: Celebrating with friends. left to right: John, me, Jimmy Van Patten, Jason and Jim.

above: Later that evening the Van Pattens were my guests to a party at a private estate as part of the Palm Springs Film Festival. left to right: Rick Rockhill, Dick Van Patten, Deborah (Debbie) Gibson and John. As a side note, Deborah is really sweet, and a lot of fun to hang with!

above: here it is, the newly installed star itself, all shiny and new. I was so proud of the day's events. More photos below...

-Rick Rockhill