Jimmy Van Patten is a renowned actor, writer, and producer with a lifetime of experience in the entertainment industry, spanning film, television, and theater. Born and raised in New York, he followed in the footsteps of his father, actor Dick Van Patten.
As a teenager, Jimmy was cast as a reform school boy in the hit television series "The Odd Couple", launching a successful acting career. He went on to guest-star on numerous television series, mini-series, and feature films, starring in two television series of his own.
Jimmy has also appeared in over 40 motion pictures, including "Freaky Friday", "Roller Boogie", "Lifeguard", "California Dreaming", "Life Stinks", "Robin Hood Men in Tights", and "Nightmare Boulevard". He received rave reviews for his role in the film "Young Warriors", with Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times stating: "Indulging a self-destructiveness of truly, epic proportions, Van Patten exudes that old live-fast die-young appeal."
Jimmy has also appeared in the popular horror film franchise "Saw", reprising his role as Dr. Heffner in "Saw 4", "Saw 6", and "Saw 7 - The Final Chapter in 3D". More recently, he co-starred opposite Academy Award-winning actors Nicolas Cage, Faye Dunaway, and Gina Gershon in the suspense thriller "Inconceivable".
Jimmy's latest feature film, the award-winning "7 Days to Vegas", had its worldwide release in 2019. He co-starred and produced this dark comedy with his brother Vincent Van Patten, who also co-starred. The film was critically acclaimed, with Richard Roper of the Chicago Sun Times stating: "A gem of a film... Wildly entertaining!".
Jimmy's theater experience includes "Mr. Roberts" at the San Antonio Fiesta Theater, "Breakfast with Les and Bes" at the Burt Reynolds's Jupiter Theater, "Passengers" touring with the Frank Kenley Players, and "Harvey" at The Laguna Playhouse with Charles Durning.
Jimmy was also cast with his father Dick Van Patten and Frank Gorshin in the critically acclaimed National Tour of "The Sunshine Boys", 2001-2002, playing the role of Ben Silverman. The show received rave reviews all over the country.
Jimmy has also written the book and lyrics to "The Flunky the Musical", a musical comedy for the Broadway stage based on the film "The Flunky" that he produced and starred in with his brother Vincent. He 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.
