Dick Van Patten to Receive a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Happy New Year! I thought I'd share some Palm Springs news with you all...On Saturday January 12th, actor Dick Van Patten will be honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Dick Van Patten is a familiar face to millions of TV viewers from his role as Tom Bradford on the long running series Eight is Enough. Dick Van Patten has had a very long career acting. He grew up in Queens, New York, and started acting as a child. He has performed in 27 Broadway plays, 3 of which earned a Pulitzer Prize. Dick has appeared in over 25 major films, 7 TV series and over 600 radio shows.

Back in 1989 Dick co-founded Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Pet Foods. Since I work in the retail pet industry as a pet food buyer, I have had the honor of getting to know Mr Van Patten through his Natural Balance pet food team.

Dick loves all kinds of animals. But he often describes himself as a cat person. In addition to making a wide range of natural, holistic and organic dog and cat foods, his Natural Balance company feeds a number of animals at zoos around the country, including the world reknowned San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and several service Dog organizations as well. In particular, his Natural Balance Zoological Formulas were developed specifically for lions, tigers, cheetahs, polar bears, snakes and carnivorous birds. He donates a significant amount of food to animal rescue organizations, Guide Dogs and other animal care organizations every year.

Sons Nels, Vincent, and Jimmy are also animal lovers as well. Jimmy Van Patten, a respected actor, writer and producer in his own right, has taken an active interest in his father's Natural Balance Pet Food company.

If you are interested in attending the dedication ceremony here in Palm Springs, it is open to the public. Details are provided below:



And if you need a refresher...here is the opening sequence of Eight is Enough
-Rick Rockhill