Acting
Jerry Van Dyke
He has that same genuine likability factor, owns that same trademark lantern jaw and is just as appealing and gifted as his older brother, Dick Van Dyke, but, for decades, Jerry Van Dyke had to bear the brunt of his brother's overwhelming shadow. The comic actor was born six years younger than Dick on July 27, 1931, in Danville, Illinois. Raised there, the crew cut blond showed an aptitude for clowning in high school. His stand-up comedy venues first took the form of dives and strip clubs throughout the Deep South in which his banjo-playing became an intricate part of the routine. At one point, Jerry was a regular on the Playboy club circuit. He then set his sights on the top showrooms in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Atlantic City and became a dependable opening act. Jerry's early career should have been rightfully interrupted when he joined the Air Force in 1952. He, instead, kept the troops laughing by performing in Special Services shows. Winning a military talent contest actually earned him a couple of appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) (aka "The Ed Sullivan Show") and resulting TV exposure. Following his tour of duty, he nabbed variety appearances and a regular comic relief role on The Judy Garland Show (1963). He found comic acting parts as well on TV. Like brother Dick, who was a huge TV star by this time, Jerry also did a stint emceeing a game show. In Jerry's case, it was Picture This (1963).
Filmography
Sid & Judy
Film · 2019
The Millers
Series · 2013
Raising Hope
Series · 2010
The Middle
Series · 2009
My Name Is Earl
Series · 2005
Committed
Series · 2005
Unscripted
Series · 2005
The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited
Film · 2004
Surviving Gilligan's Island: The Incredibly True Story of the Longest Three Hour Tour in History
Film · 2001
The District
Series · 2000
Yes, Dear
Series · 2000
The New Addams Family
Series · 1998
Annabelle's Wish
Film · 1997
Merry Christmas, George Bailey
Film · 1997
Teen Angel
Series · 1997
You Wish
Series · 1997
Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade
Film · 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
Series · 1996
The Drew Carey Show
Series · 1995
Grace Under Fire
Series · 1993
Diagnosis: Murder
Series · 1993
To Grandmother's House We Go
Film · 1992
Coach
Series · 1989
Run If You Can
Film · 1988
W.A.R.: Women Against Rape
Film · 1987
Fresno
Series · 1986
Charles in Charge
Series · 1984
Newhart
Series · 1982
13 Queens Blvd.
Series · 1979
Fantasy Island
Series · 1978
The Love Boat
Series · 1977
The New Dick Van Dyke Show
Series · 1971
The Headmaster
Series · 1970
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Series · 1970
Angel in My Pocket
Film · 1969
Love, American Style
Series · 1969
Love, American Style
Series · 1969
Love, American Style
Series · 1969
Good Morning World
Series · 1967
Accidental Family
Series · 1967
That Girl
Series · 1966
Love and Kisses
Film · 1965
My Mother the Car
Series · 1965
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Series · 1964
The Cara Williams Show
Series · 1964
Palm Springs Weekend
Film · 1963
McLintock!
Film · 1963
The Courtship of Eddie's Father
Film · 1963
The Judy Garland Show
Series · 1963
General Electric True
Series · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Series · 1962
The Merv Griffin Show
Series · 1962
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Series · 1961
The Mike Douglas Show
Series · 1961
The Andy Griffith Show
Series · 1960
Kraft Music Hall
Series · 1958
Perry Mason
Series · 1957
The Ed Sullivan Show
Series · 1948