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Re: Meeting Dick Van Patten--revised
Sunday, 30-Jan-2000 23:37:32
Dick Van Patten is so indelibly identified in my mind with his role as Tom Bradford that I
actually had a mixed reaction upon reading that he was coming to Orlando for a book signing.
As joyful as I was at the opportunity to meet him, I was equally fearful that it could turn
out to be terribly disillusioning. After all, the disparity between performer and
performance is a subject that provides nearly two-thirds of the programming on the E!
network in of itself. In these cynical times, it's hard to believe that a Tom Bradford
could even exist.
However unfair it was to expect Mr. Van Patten to be anything like Tom Bradford, you fans
of the show should understand why I did: his portrayal as the head of the Bradford
household resonates with as genuiness that makes it impossible to see him as anyone else.
The days leading up to the momentous event were fraught with anxiety and uncertainty.
It seemed as though my faith in humanity hinged upon this meeting.
While driving from my home in Daytona to Orlando on that Sat. morning in April of 1997,
I rehearsed over and over again what it was I was going to say to him, trying to
encapsulate in a few brief sentences the following:
1. Even though its fashions were dated, the shows message of family unity and unconditional
love were more relevant than ever before. (Admittedly, the shows obligation to its laugh
track sometimes diminished the power of this message by succumbing to contrived,
sitcom-like silliness.)
2. Tom Bradford's sensible and caring approach to raising children was an illustration of
exemplary parenting that would be an inspiration for generations to come.
3. Finally, that watching "Eight is Enough" on f/x was always a highlight of my day.
Normally, I am a very composed--even reserved--person, but by the time I joined the
crowd of about 30 on the second floor of the Barnes and Noble to await his arrival,
I was trembling uncontrollably.
The book he was touring behind was a guide he'd co-written to getting children started
in the entertainment industry. Considering Hollywood's reputation for burying its young
and the troubled lives of so many former child stars--questions about Adam Rich's own
emotional stability were being raised around this time by his part in a "Might"
cover story that fabricated his death--, I hoped that Mr. Van Patten was prepared to
defend himself for advocating such a career choice.
Then Mr. Van Patten appeared and he was just as warm, easygoing and unpretentious in person
as his TV image. He said that he maintained a close relationship with the other cast members
on the show and refuted criticism of his advice by fondly recounting his own experiences as
a child actor and citing success stories like Ron Howard.
As he autographed my copy of the book, I reverentially said: "It's a great honor to meet
you. I drove from Daytona to see you." Being in his presence, I was too awe-struck to
recall my planned speech. He smiled, thanked me for coming, posed for a picture and wished
me a safe trip back. It remains to this day one of the most cherished moments of my life.
I was heartbroken to read on this site that the Bradford house was demolished and the
neighborhood is now unrecognizable. Was there no campaign undertaken to save it?
Sincerely,
Will
Re: Meeting Dick Van Patten
Saturday, 15-Jan-2000 08:05:13
Will,
A great story,and wonderfully told! I envy you meeting Mr. Van Patten. You verified what
I always thought to be true...that he was probably as decent and kind a man as he portrayed
on TV. (A little bit of the performer's true self can't help but creep into their TV persona).
I guess Dick Van Patten was to our generation what Robert Young of Father Knows Best was to
the 1950s generation of TV fans...the epitome of the best kind of Dad...involved,
concerned, hard-working but committed to his wife and kids, firm but loving, just a decent
human being. Sounds like in real life, Dick Van Patten is much like Tom Bradford.
I think the man's a true credit to his profession. Meeting him must be a great memory for you!
John
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