Biography

James Van Patten (Jimmy) is an accomplished actor, writer and producer with a lifetime involvement in the entertainment industry, encompassing film, television and theater.

Born and raised in New York, James followed in the footsteps of his father, actor Dick Van Patten. As a teenager the Van Pattens moved to Hollywood where James was immediately cast as a reform school boy in the hit television series"The ODD COUPLE" launching a successful acting career.

James literally grew up guest-starring on television series, mini-series and feature films. James starred in two television series of his own. He starred opposite Robert Preston in the award winning mini-series, THE CHISHOLM'S for CBS which later became a television series for NBC in which he reprised his role as Bo Chisholm.

James also starred in Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's Imagine Entertainment's comedy series "POISON" for Showtime working with many of the most successful stars from the "Second City" on various episodes.

James also has impressive film credits with roles in over 40 motion pictures. To name a few, FREAKY FRIDAY opposite Jody Foster, ROLLER BOOGIE with Linda Blair, LIFEGUARD with Sam Elliot, CALIFORNIA DREAMING with Seymour Cassel, LIFE STINKS with Mel Brooks, ROBIN HOOD MEN IN TIGHTS, with Mel Brooks, THE FLUNKY with Farrah Fawcett, THE APPLE DUMPLING GANG RIDES AGAIN, with Don Knotts and Tim Conway, DON'T BE A MENACE IN SOUTH CENTRAL, directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans, NIGHTMARE BOULEVARD co-starring with Ron Perlman as Detective Jackson.

James played the lead role in the film, YOUNG WARRIORS, released by Cannon Pictures world-wide with Richard Roundtree and Ernest Borgnine. James received rave reviews as well as this one from Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times -

"Indulging a self-destructiveness of truly, epic proportions, Van Patten exudes that old live-fast die-young appeal. (Also on hand are Lynda Day George as his mother, Anne Lockhart as his distraught girlfriend and Richard Roundtree as Borgnine's partner, but Van Patten is really the whole show.)"

James also appeared in the popular Horror film franchise, SAW, reprising his character of Dr. Heffner in SAW 4, SAW 6 and SAW 7 - THE FINAL CHAPTER in 3D.

More recently James co-starred opposite Academy Award winning actors Nicolas Cage, Faye Dunaway and Gina Gershon in the part of Dr. Weisman in the suspense thriller INCONCEIVABLE.

James's latest feature film, the award winning, 7 DAYS TO VEGAS, had its worldwide release September 20th, 2019. It was released in limited theaters and now streaming. James and his brother Vincent Van Patten co-starred and produced this dark comedy that has been critically acclaimed.

"A gem of a film... Wildly entertaining!", Richard Roper, Chicago Sun Times.

"An exhilarating and ultra-satisfying switcheroo", Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter.

7 DAYS TO VEGAS was an official selection of The Palm Springs International Film Festival 2019 and was the Winner of Best Comedy of the California Film Festival 2019. 7 DAYS TO VEGAS also won 4 awards at the Garden State Film Festival, New Jersey, 2021 - Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, Best Ensemble and Best Picture.

James's theater experience includes "MR. ROBERTS" at the San Antonio Fiesta Theater, "BREAKFAST WITH LES AND BES" at the Burt Reynolds's Jupiter Theater, The World Debut of "PASSENGERS" touring with the Frank Kenley Players and HARVEY at The Laguna Playhouse with Charles Durning.

Later James was cast with his father Dick Van Patten and Frank Gorshin in the critically acclaimed National Tour of "THE SUNSHINE BOYS", 2001-2002 where he performed in over 100 cities in the United States playing the role of Ben Silverman. The show was a huge success and received rave reviews all over the country. Here are a few reviews James received -

"James Van Patten as Gorihin's nephew, makes the most of a colorless role. Wheezing under the pressure of his uncle's exasperating complaints, he absolutely nails both the humor and the emotion" - Daily Variety -

"A fine sympathetic performance by James Van Patten." -The Hollywood Reporter-

"The role of the Nephew, (Ben Silverman) is played adroitly by James Van Patten" -The South Florida Sun Sentinel-

"James Van Patten as (Ben Silverman ) gives a strong and appealing performance." -The Tolucan Times-

"As Ben Silverman), James Van Patten is hilarious with his hyperventilating moments." -Los Angeles Times-

James also wrote the book and lyrics to "THE FLUNKY THE MUSICAL" a musical comedy for the Broadway stage based off the film, "THE FLUNKY" that he produced and starred in with his brother Vincent. James collaborated on this exciting project with music icon, Debbie Gibson, who co-wrote music and lyrics.

James and his brother Vincent continue to write and produce together under their production company, VAN PATTEN BROTHERS ENTERTAINMENT

James is now awaiting the release of the new film, FATE, coming to theaters in 2025, where he is starring opposite Harvey Keitel, Faye Dunaway, Andrew McCarthy, Cheech Marin and Mena Suvari, who plays his wife in the film.
- IMDb mini biography by: J Acerno