Jerry Van Dyke is a true journeyman entertainer, having performed in just about every venue in his long career — movies, television, nightclubs — but nearly always as a comedian.
While mainstream success came fairly late in his career, on the 90’s TV series Coach, Jerry had a following well before that thanks to his stand-up comedy work and many television appearances. This site explores Jerry’s varied career, as well as his relationship to older brother Dick and to his Midwest hometown.
Videography
Jerry Van Dyke’s greatest success outside of the nightclub circuit has been on the small screen, especially in series television. Like most veteran TV actors, he appeared in a fair share of pilots and brief series before landing his signature series Coach. He has also made numerous guest appearances in established shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Newhart, and his brother’s The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder. His early guest appearances often highlighted his banjo playing.
TV Series:
- Yes, Dear (2000) — Plays the recurring character Big Jimmy Hughes on the CBS sitcom.
- Teen Angel (1997-98) — Played Grandpa Jerry Beauchamp for one year in the short-lived ABC sitcom.
- You Wish (1997-98) — Another short-lived ABC sitcom where Jerry again played a Grandfather.
- Coach (1989-97) — In the role that brought him great popularity and success, Jerry played Assistant Coach Luther Horatio Van Dam. He was nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1991, 1992, and 1994.
- Fresno (1986) — a comedy miniseries (a rarity) which spoofed Dallas, set in the “cutthroat” raisin industry of Fresno, California. Jerry teamed with some of the brightest comedians in television, including Carol Burnett, Dabney Coleman, Teri Garr, Charles Grodin, and Michael Richards. Unfortunately, it’s unavailable on video.
- 13 Queens Boulevard (1979) — Jerry co-starred in this ABC sitcom that lasted a few months of the 78-79 season.
- The Headmaster (1970-71) — An unusual dramatic departure for Jerry, playing a phys-ed teacher at an exclusive private high school, opposite headmaster Andy Griffith. Audiences apparently had a hard time accepting Griffith in a drama, and the show lasted just one season.
- Accidental Family (1967-68) — Semi-autobiographical sitcom with Jerry as a nightclub comedian and widower raising a young son.
- My Mother the Car (1965-66) — This notorious sitcom starred Jerry as a lawyer who finds that his used car is the reincarnation of his mother. Ann Sothern provided the mother’s voice.
- The Judy Garland Show (1963) — Jerry co-starred in this fascinating musical variety show which never found an audience and was cancelled after just one season.
- Picture This (1963) — Jerry’s first regular series, as emcee of a CBS summer quiz show.
TV Movies:
- Merry Christmas, George Bailey (1997) — Unique filmed radio play (i.e. a behind-the-scenes look at the actors recording the play) adapted from the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Jerry plays Uncle Billy.
- Annabelle’s Wish (1997) — Voice.
- To Grandmother’s House We Go (1992).
- The Amazing Cosmic Awareness of Duffy Moon, The (1976).
Other TV Appearances (selected):
- Diagnosis Murder in episode “Sleeping Murder” (originally aired 9/30/99).
- The New Addams Family in pilot episode: “Pilot” (10/19/98).
- Grace Under Fire in episode “Vegas,” playing his Coach character (2/26/97).
- The Drew Carey Show in episode “Drew Gets Married,” again playing his Coachcharacter (2/26/97).
- Charles in Charge in episode “The Blackboard Bungle” (1988).
- Newhart in episode “You’re Homebody ’til Somebody Loves You” (3/27/83).
- The Love Boat in episodes “The Audition / The Groupies / Doc’s Nephew” (11/6/82).
- The Mary Tyler Moore Hour (1979).
- The Mary Tyler Moore Show in episodes “Son of ‘But Seriously, Folks'” (10/27/73) and “But Seriously, Folks” (11/4/72).
- The New Dick Van Dyke Show in episode “The Brother and the Fiancée,” playing the brother of Dick’s character as he did in the original Dick Van Dyke Show (1972).
- Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. in episode “Gomer and the Night Club Comic” (3/22/68).
- The Andy Griffith Show in episode “Banjo-Playing Deputy” (5/3/65).
- The Dick Van Dyke Show playing Stacey, the brother of Dick’s character, in episodes “Stacey Petrie: Part 2” (1/27/65); “Stacey Petrie: Part 1” (1/27/65); “The Sleeping Brother” (3/28/62); and “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” (3/21/62).
- The Cara Williams Show in episode “Cara Fiddles While Her Hero Burns” (10/28/64).
- Perry Mason in episode “The Case of the Woeful Widower” (3/26/64).
- The Andy Williams Show (11/15/62).
Films:
- Run If You Can (1987).
- W.A.R.: Women Against Rape (1987).
- Angel in My Pocket (1969).
- Love and Kisses (1965).
- Palm Springs Weekend (1963).
- The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963) — Family comedy that spawned the popular TV series.
- McLintock! (1963) — One of Jerry’s first films, and his best, is Taming of the Shrew in the Old West, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
Webography
- Jerry Van Dyke: A “Cool, Funny Guy” — News-Gazette article about Jerry’s visit to his hometown in October 2007. The Commercial News also covered the visit.
- Comedians USA and Cast Productions — Bios and info about booking Jerry for appearances.
- Jerry: The College Years Weeks — Info about Jerry’s 18-week stint at Eastern Illinois University.
- TV Party — A page about My Mother the Car, including photos and sound files.
- What a Character: Jerry Van Dyke — Brief bio and information about Jerry’s life in Arkansas.
Jerry was born in Danville on July 27, 1931. By all accounts, Danville still holds a special place in their hearts.