Actor and comedian Jerry Van Dyke, famous for his role as Luther Van Dam on ABC’s Coach, has passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018. Jerry has very famous last name, being the younger brother of comedy legend of Dick Van Dyke. Although he could not achieve the tremendous success of his brother Dick, he still found a niche in the entertainment industry as a sidekick with self-confidence issues on ABC’s Coach from February 1989 to May 1997. The actor/comedian died on Friday at the age of 86.
Jerry Van Dyke took his first shot at comedy as a high school kid, performing at strip joints and nightclubs in the late 1940s. He went on to become a multi-time Emmy nominated actor as his career progressed. Let’s see how much money Van Dyke has pulled in after over half a century in comedy….
Jerry Van Dyke Net Worth as of 2018: $15 Million
Jerry Van Dyke’s estimated net worth rolls in at an impressive $15 million. From 1990 to 1993, he received four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” for his role as Luther Van Dam on the ABC sitcom Coach. Van Dyke has appeared in numerous other television shows throughout his career, including Chares in Charge, Fantasy Island, and Love, American Style.
Let’s take a look at Jerry’s road to riches and success…
Jerry Van Dyke’s Early Life
Jerry McCord Van Dyke was born on July 27, 1931, in Danville, Illinois. While still enrolled in Danville High School, the young Jerry sought a career in stand-up comedy. He later joined the United States Air Force and became apart of the Tops In Blue from 1954 to 1955. Tops In Blue were a touring performance ensemble comprised of active service members of the American Air Force. He performed in military bases all around the world, winning the All Air Force Talent Show on two separate occasions. During this time, he also hosted The Jerry Van Dyke Show which aired exclusively on WTHI-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana.
After leaving the service, he made appearances on his older brother’s sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also appeared on CBS’s The Ed Sullivan Show and later became a regular on The Judy Garland Show. Jerry hosted the 1963 game show Picture This. That same year, he played supporting roles in films such as McLintock!, Palm Springs Weekend and The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.
1965 – Present
From 1965-1966, Jerry starred in a short-lived sitcom called My Mother the Car, which is about a man who owns a restored antique car with the soul of his deceased mom. After that show proved to be a commercial failure, Van Dyke moved on to another sitcom, starring in the NBC series Accidental Family for one season from September 1967 to January 1968.
Jerry landed prominent roles in films such as Love and Kisses (1965) and Angel in My Pocket (1969).
In the 1970s, Van Dyke returned to the stand-up comedy scene. He headlined venues in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee, and in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He landed roles in films such as The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon (1976) and 13 Queens Boulevard (1979).
The younger Van Dyke finally found a lasting measure of success as Luther Van Dam, the defensive coordinator and beloved sidekick of Hayden Fox in ABC’s Coach. This role earned Van Dyke four Emmy nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” from 1990 to 1993.
Besides film and sitcoms, Jerry has also appeared in a series of Hardee’s commercials in 1995 to promote the Big Hardee hamburger.
In the 2000s, he appeared as a reoccurring character on the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear. He’s also made appearances on TV series such as My Name Is Earl, The Millers, and Raising Hope.
Jerry Van Dyke made his final television appearance in April 2015, reprising the role of Frankie’s father on the ABC sitcom The Middle. His real-life older brother Dick Van Dyke also guest starred on this episode, playing his on-screen brother as well.
Jerry Van Dyke’s Cause Of Death
Jerry Van Dyke’s cause of death is currently unknown. He died at the age of 86 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Friday, January 5, 2018. His cause of death remains a mystery. However, the actor/comedian has had declining health since his car accident two years prior.
He is survived by his first (now ex) wife Carol, his two daughters and son; Jerri Lynn, Kelly Jean, and Ronald.
