Carol van dyk biography

American actor and comedian (1931–2018)

Jerry McCord Van Dyke (July 27, 1931 – January 5, 2018) was an American actor and comedian. He was the younger brother of Dick Van Dyke.^[1]

Van Dyke had a long and successful career mostly as a character actor in supporting and guest roles on popular television series.

He made his television acting debut on The Dick Van Dyke Show with several guest appearances as Rob Petrie's brother, Stacey. From 1989 to 1997, he played Luther Van Dam on the popular series Coach.^[1]

Early life

Jerry McCord Van Dyke was born in Danville, Illinois, on July 27, 1931, to Hazel Victoria (née^[2] He was of Dutch, English, Irish, and Scottish descent.^[3]

Career

Early career

Van Dyke pursued a stand-up comedy career while still in Danville High School and was already a veteran of strip joints and nightclubs when he joined the United States Air ForceTops In Blue in 1954 and 1955.^[4]