Jerry Van Dyke had a career of five decades on television, featuring in many TV shows. Here’s everything you need to know, from his net worth to his death.
Jerry Van Dyke: Life & Marriage
It would seem Jerry Van Dyke was born to make people laugh. Jerry Van Dyke was born on July 27, 1931 in Danville, Illinois and is the younger brother of famous actor/comedian Dick Van Dyke. Jerry Van Dyke spent most of his life in front of the camera as an actor and comedian and is best known for his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
The Early Life of Jerry Van Dyke
The Van Dyke family had one thing going for them and that was the ability to bear strong, talented, funny boys. It was in 1931 when Jerry Van Dyke was born into his famous family. By then Dick Van Dyke (Jerry Van Dyke’s older brother) was six years old. Jerry and Dick Van Dyke’s mother Hazel Victoria worked as a stenographer and their father Loren worked as a salesman. Jerry Van Dyke has a mixture of Dutch, English, and Scottish bloodlines and, most importantly, his mother was a descendant of the Mayflower immigrants.
Jerry Van Dyke: Marriage and Children
Jerry Van Dyke married Carol Johnson in 1957 and had three children with Carol: Jerri Lynn, Kelly Jean, and Ronald Van Dyke. Unfortunately, Kelly Jean committed suicide in 1991. Jerry Van Dyke later married Shirley Jones, who has had a showbiz career spanning six decades as an actress and singer. Jerry Van Dyke and Shirley Jones resided on their family ranch in Hot Springs, Arkansas until his death. Jerry Van Dyke and Shirley Jones’ marriage lasted four decades.
Jerry Van Dyke’s TV Show Career
With a brother like Dick Van Dyke who kept a polished persona, it was no surprise when Jerry Van Dyke came along with his quick witty jokes and comical gestures. Jerry Van Dyke would later have a career that spanned across generations.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
“The Dick Van Dyke Show” first premiered on October 3, 1961, and remained on-air until June 1, 1966, spanning five seasons. Jerry Van Dyke appeared on the show alongside his brother Dick Van Dyke. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” won a total of 15 Emmy Awards and ranked in the top 10 on TV Guide’s 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” followed the personal and professional life of character “Rob Petrie”, played by Dick Van Dyke, who was a head writer of a comedy/variety show produced in Manhattan. “The Dick Van Dyke Show” gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how a television show is written and produced. “The Dick Van Dyke” show ran for 24 minutes per episode and had a total of 160 episodes. The creation of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” established the net worth of the Van Dyke brothers.
The Judy Garland Show
Jerry Van Dyke was a part of the musical variety show “The Judy Garland Show” alongside Judy Garland. “The Judy Garland Show” aired on Sunday nights from September 29, 1963 until March 29, 1964. While it was successful, “The Judy Garland Show” faced great competition from the show “Bonanza”. Eventually, “The Judy Garland Show” was cancelled in its first season.
My Mother the Car (1965)
Of all of Jerry Van Dyke’s projects, “My Mother the Car” might have been his worst. The TV show “My Mother the Car” followed Jerry Van Dyke, who played an attorney who purchases a car that turns out to be his reincarnated mother. “My Mother the Car” aired on September 14, 1965, and only lasted one season, airing its final episode on April 5, 1966. Critics and viewers alike agreed that “My Mother the Car” was not Jerry Van Dyke’s best work.
Mule Train (Yes, Dear)
“Yes, Dear (Mule Train)” was a television sitcom that aired from October 2, 2000, until February 15, 2006. Jerry Van Dyke played the role of “James Hughes, Sr” on “Yes, Dear (Mule Train)”. “Yes, Dear (Mule Train)” was centered around a concept of stereotypical characterized adults. The show ran for 22 minutes per episode and lasted six seasons.
The Middle
Most recently, Jerry Van Dyke appeared on the seasons 2 to 6 of “The Middle” as Tag Spence. Jerry Van Dyke played the character Frankie’s father on “The Middle”. Jerry Van Dyke appeared on “The Middle” from September 2010 until May 13, 2015.
Jerry Van Dyke: Facts, Net Worth, and Death
Fun Facts about Jerry Van Dyke
Fact One: Jerry Van Dyke was a banjo player. Fact Two: Jerry Van Dyke was in the Air Force. Fact Three: Jerry Van Dyke turned down the role of “Gilligan” on the famous show Gilligan’s Island. Fact Four: Jerry Van Dyke was a Leo. Fact Five: Jerry Van Dyke is most notably known for his role on TV show “Coach”.
Jerry Van Dyke’s Death and Net Worth
In 2016, Jerry Van Dyke had a car accident that left him with permanent health issues. Van Dyke battled his health issues for the next two years, until January 5, 2018 when he passed away due to heart failure. Jerry Van Dyke left behind a net worth of $15M earned from his decades of work in showbiz.
In Honor of Greatness: Jerry Van Dyke Travel
Jerry Van Dyke Travel is an agency based in Canada that provides travel services to Holland and Belgium. Jerry Van Dyke Travel’s main tourist site is The Da Vinci, a 53 double cabin and three single cabin vacation cruise ship. Jerry Van Dyke Travel has no connection with the actor.
Farewell to Greatness
Jerry Van Dyke lived a remarkable life and leaves behind his two children and wife, Shirley Jones.
