The late Jerry Van Dyke will get a send-off from all the Hollywood stars who worked with the beloved comedy legend — as they gather on Sunday, Feb. 25th, at Universal Studios’ Stage 43, where the star filmed his Emmy-winning role on TV’s “Coach” from 1989 to 1997.
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Jerry, the younger brother of
Dick Van Dyke, died Jan. 5 at his ranch in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was 86. Van Dyke's wife, Shirley Ann, said that her husband had been recuperating at their home for the past two years following a car accident and heart surgery. In an exclusive interview, Shirley said, “We’re having a private memorial called ‘A Legacy of Laughter!’”
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“This event is a celebration of Jerry’s life and career,” Shirley continued. “We’re expecting a crowd of about 250 people, friends and family—to enjoy reminiscing about Jerry’s very special life. As the invitation says, ‘We’ll all enjoy hearing about and seeing some of the most memorable moments and memories from Jerry’s life. There may be a little sadness here and there, but Jerry spent his life enjoying making people laugh.’It’s going to be the best memorial anybody’s ever had!”
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Shirley has been working tirelessly on editing a video program of “everything from little 8mm films of Jerry and his brother Dick’s childhood,” growing up in Danville, IL., to clips from Jerry’s early stand-up career, his work on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “My Mother The Car” and, of course, “Coach.” The master of ceremonies, of course, will be Jerry’s big brother.
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Expected guests include “Coach” stars Craig T. Nelson and Shelley Fabares,
Connie Stevens, and Stefanie Powers (who co-starred with Jerry on the 1963 TV show, ‘McLintock!). Also attending will be
Patricia Heaton and other cast members from “The Middle,” where Jerry had a recurring role. Even actor Mike O’ Malley, who played Jerry's son on “Yes, Dear,” was expected to fly in from New York — with Greg Garcia from “My Name Is Earl” also expected, along with cast members from “Raising Hope.”
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“Mike and Greg just opened their musical show, ‘Escape from Margaritaville,’ on Broadway, and they’re flying in Sunday morning just to attend,” Shirley said “And all of the Van Patten family will be here. Jerry would have loved it!” Shirley added that she’s sparing no expense on the celebration, which will include a sit-down lunch catered by Wolfgang Puck.
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“Jerry left me very well off,” she laughed. “so I wanted to make sure money was no object. I wanted the very best for him!” Shirley also noted that the memorial will show how Jerry’s career came full circle: “You know, Jerry’s first appearances on TV were on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ and his last appearance on television was with his brother on ‘The Middle.’ They sing a song together. It was a fitting end to his long career!”
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