Vince Van Patten

Vincent Van Patten was born on October 17, 1957 in Bellerose, New York, is also known as the "King of the Hollywood Home Games".

Vince is currently best known in the poker world as the co-host, along with Mike Sexton, and commentator for the weekly World Poker Tour television program, which he landed after his sister-in-law Shana Hiatt recommended him. Van Patten, along with actor James Woods, has also endorsed Hollywood Poker, the online poker Website which is run in conjunction with Ongame Network. Vince plays at Hollywood Poker and often contributes to the site.

In a WPT interview Van Patten said, "To me, poker is the ultimate game. It is something I am good at and a pastime that I truly look forward to. Most of all it is matching wits, heart, and money against your fellow man. It is the complete game."

Early on, Van Patten was a professional tennis player who was awarded the ATP Rookie of the Year award in 1979. The biggest highlight of his tennis career came when he defeated John McEnroe in 1981 to win the Seiko World Super Tennis tournament in Tokyo, Japan. He retired from tennis and returned to acting in 1986.

Vince is the youngest son of actor Dick Van Patten, who played Tom Bradford on Eight is Enough. Vince was introduced to show business at a young age (9 yrs) and appeared in over 30 commercials by the time he was 12. He guest starred in several television series in the 70's including The High Chaparral, Adam-12, Bonanza, The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Medical Center, and a variety of made-for-TV movies. At age 16 Vince was cast in Apple's Way and three years later he co-starred in The Bionic Boy, a two-hour ABC spinoff of the popular Lee Majors vehicle, The Six Million Dollar Man. He also appeared in Mind Stealers from Outer Space and several other films in the 1970's and 1980's.

Vince Van Patten is related to several other actors - brothers James Van Patten and Nels Van Patten, nephew of Joyce Van Patten, half-nephew of Timothy Van Patten, and cousin of Talia Balsam.


Fun Facts:

• In 1978 he appeared in the cult classic, Rock 'n' Roll High School.
• Starred in and directed "The Break" playing a washed-up tennis pro who coaches an up-and-coming young player.
• From his first marriage, to Betsy Russell, he has two sons, Richard and Vince.
• From his second marriage, to Eileen Davidson, he has one child, Jesse.