Jerry Van Dyke, comedian and brother of Dick Van Dyke, has reportedly died. He was 86.
According to The New York Times, Van Dyke’s wife Shirley said the comedian died Friday afternoon at their Arkansas Ranch. The couple was involved in a car accident two years ago and she said his health has deteriorated since.
His manager has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment. Van Dyke is survived by his wife and two children.
Van Dyke was born in Illinois and started his career as a comedian by joining the touring ensemble in the Air Force. He then launched his TV career by appearing on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” In the 1960s, he starred in two NBC sitcoms, “My Mother the Car” and “Accidentally Family.”
His other credits include “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Charles In Charge,” “The Love Boat,” “My Name Is Earl,” and “Yes, Dear.” His best known role was playing Luther Van Dam on “Coach,” a sitcom which ran from 1989 to 1997 on ABC. He received four Emmy nominations for his role in the category Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He most recently starred in “The Middle.”
Van Dyke would also have frequent guest appearances on both Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” and David Letterman’s “Late Show.”
Van Dyke’s death comes just a week after Rose Marie, another actress known for her role on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” died at the age of 94.