# Bobby Van

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bobby_Van
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bobby_Van.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Van
> Source revision: 1356367025
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

"Bobby van" is also British slang for a [Police van](/source/Police_van).

**Robert Jack Stein** (December 6, 1928 – July 31, 1980), known by his legalized stage name **Bobby Van**, was an actor and dancer, best known for his career on [Broadway](/source/Broadway_theatre), in film musicals and television from the 1950s through the 1970s. He was also a game show host and panelist.

## Early life

Van was born to [Jewish](/source/Jewish) [vaudeville](/source/Vaudeville) parents in [The Bronx](/source/The_Bronx), New York City,[1] and grew up [backstage](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/backstage), witnessing many memorable [Depression](/source/Great_Depression)-era acts. Originally, Van took *King* as his stage name (after his father's stage name, from the [trio](/source/Trio_(music)) "Gordon, Reed and King"). He finally opted for *Van*, after seeing a [Van Johnson](/source/Van_Johnson) poster hanging in his sister's bedroom.[2] In a 1976 interview, Van said he had legalized his name change from 'Stein'.[3]

## Career

Van began his career as a musician, playing trumpet. When his band played a venue in the [Catskills](/source/Catskills),[1] Van was asked to fill in as a song and dance man for another act. His act drew rave reviews and gave Van a thrill performing live as a solo act. He went on to appear in several [Broadway](/source/Broadway_theatre) musicals.[4]

In the early 1950s, Van received a contract with [Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer](/source/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) and appeared in several films there, including the title role in *[The Affairs of Dobie Gillis](/source/The_Affairs_of_Dobie_Gillis)* in 1953[5] and roles in the musicals *[Because You're Mine](/source/Because_You're_Mine)* and *[Kiss Me, Kate](/source/Kiss_Me,_Kate_(film))*.[1] Reviewer Hal Erickson noted that "Van will always be remembered as the ecstatic young fellow who made like a human pogo stick during an expansive production number in *[Small Town Girl](/source/Small_Town_Girl_(1953_film))* (1953)."[6]

Van appeared with [Mickey Rooney](/source/Mickey_Rooney)[6] in films and television during the 1960s, including three episodes of Rooney's [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company) sitcom *[Mickey](/source/Mickey_(TV_series))*, as a freeloading brother-in-law. Van also did some choreography, as had his father years earlier.

In the 1970s, Van and his second wife, [Elaine Joyce](/source/Elaine_Joyce), made several appearances on game shows such as *[Tattletales](/source/Tattletales)* and *[Match Game](/source/Match_Game)*. Van also hosted the TV game shows *[Showoffs](/source/Showoffs)*,[7]*The Fun Factory*, and *[Make Me Laugh](/source/Make_Me_Laugh)*.[8]

Van starred in the 1971 Broadway revival of *[No, No, Nanette](/source/No,_No,_Nanette)*, for which he was nominated for a [Tony Award](/source/Tony_Award).[4] In 1973, he appeared in the musical remake of *[Lost Horizon](/source/Lost_Horizon_(1973_film))*,[1] his final appearance in a film musical. His novelty dance number from *Small Town Girl* (1953) was featured in the MGM retrospective *[That's Entertainment, Part II](/source/That's_Entertainment,_Part_II)* (1976). In 1978, Van portrayed swindler Warren Custer in the episode "The Two-Million-Dollar Stowaway" of the [NBC](/source/NBC) crime drama series *[The Eddie Capra Mysteries](/source/The_Eddie_Capra_Mysteries)*. In 1979, he appeared in the original *[Battlestar Galactica](/source/Battlestar_Galactica)* episode "Greetings from Earth" as the robot Hector, working alongside veteran song and dance man [Ray Bolger](/source/Ray_Bolger) (Vector).

In June 1977, Van appeared in the musical *[Anything Goes](/source/Anything_Goes)* as Billy Crocker at the [Kenley Players](/source/Kenley_Players) in Dayton, Ohio.[9]

In August 1979, Van appeared in the musical *[Damn Yankees](/source/Damn_Yankees)* as Young Joe with the San Jose Civic Light Opera in San Jose, California. His co-star was Van Johnson. Bobby Van and wife Elaine Joyce appeared in *[Love Boat](/source/Love_Boat)* S2 E16 "Gopher's Opportunity", as Phil and Melody Livingston, hoteliers who want to hire Gopher. The episode was originally broadcast on January 20, 1979.

## Personal life

Van married starlet Diane Garrett in September 1952, though the marriage was kept secret until January 1953.[10][11]

Van and Garrett attempted to have children for several years and, after losing a baby in 1956,[12] they adopted son Peter in 1961, nine months after taking him in as a five-day-old baby.[13]

In 1959, both Van and Garrett were injured when their car was rear-ended, and sued the other driver, seeking $107,000.[14] Garrett said she was unable to move for three weeks after the accident; both she and Van claimed back injury. Van was awarded $1,500 and Garrett was awarded $5,000.[15] [Judy Garland](/source/Judy_Garland), who was a passenger in the Vans' vehicle, testified in court for them.[14]

The couple separated in January 1964[16] and a divorce was final on September 27, 1966,[citation needed] despite rumors of an early reconsideration and a reconciliation in July 1964.[17][18] Van had returned to town as his son was undergoing emergency hip surgery, not to reconcile.[18] In November 1964, [Walter Winchell](/source/Walter_Winchell) wrote in his column that Van "(recently divorced after a dozen years) hopes to persuade actress [Emmaline Henry](/source/Emmaline_Henry) to be his new spouse."[19]

Van married Broadway actress [Elaine Joyce](/source/Elaine_Joyce) in 1968. An announcement was issued on October 30, 1967,[20][full citation needed] that they had wed, but they had not. In November, a Hollywood column mentioned that Van said that he and Joyce planned to marry on December 2, 1967.[21][full citation needed] In February 1968, it was announced that they would marry in Los Angeles on March 21.[22] Van and Joyce were finally married in Las Vegas on May 1, 1968.[23] One week later, Van filed for an annulment citing "fraud" and a lack of consummation, claiming that Joyce "told him she wanted to have children but this was only to induce him into marriage".[23] An article states that Van said that Joyce felt "so unhappy and insecure, it's the only thing to do."[24] A preliminary divorce was filed in 1968, with Joyce listed as Elaine Pinchot.[citation needed] The divorce was never finalized, and the couple remained married until Van's death in 1980.[25] Their daughter Taylor was born in 1976.[8][26]

## Illness and death

In February 1980, Van began to experience headaches that continued for two weeks before being diagnosed with a malignant [brain tumor](/source/Brain_tumor). Van hid his illness and continued to work, including as host of that year's [Mrs. America Pageant](/source/Mrs._America_(contest)). He later lost control of his left side and used a wheelchair.

Van died in Los Angeles on July 31, 1980.[25][27] He is interred at [Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery](/source/Mount_Sinai_Memorial_Park_Cemetery),[28] a [Jewish](/source/Jewish) cemetery in Los Angeles. In an interview from December 1981, Joyce said, "Bobby and I would have been married forever. There was no question about it".[29]

## Filmography

### Films

Year Title Role Notes 1952 Skirts Ahoy! Himself Uncredited Because You're Mine Artie Pilcer 1953 Small Town Girl Ludwig Schlemmer The Affairs of Dobie Gillis Dobie Gillis Kiss Me Kate 'Gremio' 1961 The Ladies Man Choreographer 1961 Yves Montand on Broadway Himself Guest performer[30] 1962 It's Only Money Choreographer 1966 The Navy vs. the Night Monsters Ens. Rutherford Chandler 1972 Doomsday Machine Danny 1973 Lost Horizon Harry Lovett 1975 The Lion Roars Again MGM short subject

### Television

Year Title Role Notes 1957 The George Gobel Show Himself Season 4, episode 4 1960 The Revlon Revue Himself Season 1, episode 5 1962 The Tonight Show Himself 1 episode (between hosts Paar and Carson) 1963, 1976 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Himself 2 episodes 1969 The Jonathan Winters Show Himself Season 2, episode 14 1975 29th Annual Tony Awards Himself One of several hosts 1975 The Invisible Man Tony Bernard Episode: "Eyes Only" 1975 Showoffs Himself Series host 1976 Wonder Woman Monty Burns Episode: "Beauty on Parade"[31] 1978 The Hardy Boys Tom Season 3, 2 episodes 1978 CHiPs Eddie Episode: "Trick or Trick" 1978 Vega$ Eddie Banning Episode: "Love, Laugh, and Die" 1978 Flying High Meltzer Episode: "The Marcy Connection" 1979 Battlestar Galactica Hector Episode: "Greetings from Earth"[32] 1979 The Love Boat Phil Livingston Episode: "Gopher's Opportunity" 1979–1980 Make Me Laugh Himself Series host 1980 Beyond Westworld Danny Episode: "My Brother's Keeper" 1980 The Hustler of Muscle Beach Emcee TV movie 1980 Mrs. America Pageant Himself Host

## Stage work

- *[Alive and Kicking](/source/Alive_and_Kicking_(musical))* (1950)[4]
- *[On Your Toes](/source/On_Your_Toes)* (1954)[4]
- *[Oklahoma!](/source/Oklahoma!)* (1959)[33]
- *[Pal Joey](/source/Pal_Joey_(musical))* (1961)[34]
- *[The Tunnel of Love](/source/The_Tunnel_of_Love)* (1963; Westchester County Playhouse, Dobbs Ferry, NY)[35]
- *[No, No, Nanette](/source/No,_No,_Nanette)* (1971–73)[4]
- *[Doctor Jazz](/source/Doctor_Jazz_(musical))* (1975)[4]
- *[The Music Man](/source/The_Music_Man)* (1977; Marriott's Lincolnshire Theatre, Lincolnshire, IL)[36]
- *[Anything Goes](/source/Anything_Goes)* (1977; [Kenley Players](/source/Kenley_Players), Ohio)[37]
- *[Damn Yankees](/source/Damn_Yankees)* (1979; [San Jose Civic Light Opera](/source/American_Musical_Theatre_of_San_Jose), California)[38]

## References

1. ["Bobby Van"](http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/artist/bobby-van/). [Masterworks Broadway](/source/Masterworks_Broadway). Retrieved August 16, 2015.

1. Wilson, Earl (June 1, 1976). ["Bobby Van owes success to sister and a picture"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97269295/origin-of-bobby-vans-name/). *[Akron Beacon Journal](/source/Akron_Beacon_Journal)*. p. D17. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. Kleiner, Dick (July 16, 1976). ["Sing a Song of Security"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98629730/sing-a-song-of-security/). *[The Times and Democrat](/source/The_Times_and_Democrat)*. p. 6B. Retrieved March 29, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Bobby Van: Performer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20151104055127/http://www.playbillvault.com/Person/Detail/44095/Bobby-Van). *[Playbill](/source/Playbill)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.playbillvault.com/Person/Detail/44095/Bobby-Van) on November 4, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2015.

1. [*The Affairs of Dobie Gillis*](https://web.archive.org/web/20120307214140/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/66856/The-Affairs-of-Dobie-Gillis/) [Turner Classic Movies](/source/Turner_Classic_Movies), accessed August 16, 2015

1. Erickson, Hal. [""Bobby Van Biography""](https://web.archive.org/web/20160307082029/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/72782/Bobby-Van). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/72782/Bobby-Van) on March 7, 2016.

1. Mike (December 12, 2009). ["Showoffs with Larry Blyden"](http://www.usgameshows.net/x.php?show=Showoffs). *The Game Show Pilot Light*. Retrieved March 9, 2022.

1. McFadden, Robert D. (August 2, 1980). ["Bobby Van, actor and dancer"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97270690/bobby-van-obituary/). *[St. Petersburg Times](/source/St._Petersburg_Times)*. N.Y. Times News Service. p. B13. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. [*Anything Goes*](http://www.ovrtur.com/production/2882415) ovrtur.com, accessed August 16, 2015

1. Clark, Earl W. & Singer, Allen J. (January 1, 2010). [*Beverly Hills Country Club*](https://books.google.com/books?id=iYlXYlUqGEIC&q=Bobby+Van+and+Diane+Garrett&pg=PA80). Arcadia Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 978-0738566191.

1. ["Fidler In Hollywood"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97287816/fidler-in-hollywood/). *[Nevada State Journal](/source/Nevada_State_Journal)*. January 11, 1953. p. 4. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Johnson, Erskine (December 11, 1956). ["Screen Lampoons Harvard in New Eddie, Debbie Film"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98628071/screen-lampoons-harvard-in-new-eddie/). *[The Fresno Bee](/source/The_Fresno_Bee)*. p. 4B. Retrieved March 29, 2022. – via Newspapers.com. Her medics have given Diana restored-to-health certificate following the cancellation of the Vans' stork date.

1. ["Singer Adopts Son"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97289397/bobby-van-and-wife-adopt-peter/). *[Fort Worth Star-Telegram](/source/Fort_Worth_Star-Telegram)*. Associated Press. February 22, 1961. p. 10. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Judy Garland Heard in Van Damage Suit"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97285101/garland-supports-vans/). *[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)*. November 13, 1959. p. C28. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Bobby Vans Win $6,500 Injury Award"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97286247/vans-win-injury-award/). *Los Angeles Times*. November 20, 1959. p. 4. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Carroll, Harrison (January 11, 1964). ["Behind the Scenes in Hollywood"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97630318/behind-the-scenes-in-hollywood/). *[The Vidette-Messenger](/source/The_Vidette-Messenger)*. King Features Syndicate. p. 4. Retrieved March 14, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Freeman, Alex (January 3, 1964). ["Danny Kaye Show Set for 2nd Year"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97631564/danny-kaye-show-set-for-2nd-year/). *[Hartford Courant](/source/Hartford_Courant)*. p. 10. Retrieved March 14, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Connolly, Mike (July 8, 1964). ["Mike Connelly In Hollywood"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97364831/mike-connolly-in-hollywood/). *[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette](/source/Pittsburgh_Post-Gazette)*. p. 13. Retrieved March 10, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Winchell, Walter (November 14, 1964). ["Little Old New York"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97332823/winchell-bobby-van-wooing-henry/). *[The Durham Sun](/source/The_Durham_Sun)*. p. 4. Retrieved March 10, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. *Daily News*, October 30, 1967

1. *The El Dorado Times*, November 29, 1967

1. Carroll, Harrison (February 22, 1968). ["Behind the scenes in Hollywood"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97638853/behind-the-scenes-in-hollywood/). *[New Castle News](/source/New_Castle_News)*. p. 6. Retrieved March 14, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Singer Wed Week Wants Annulment"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97643493/singer-wed-week-wants-annulment/). *[The Sacramento Bee](/source/The_Sacramento_Bee)*. [United Press International](/source/United_Press_International). May 7, 1968. p. 10. Retrieved March 14, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Couple Tries Elopement Then Gets An Annulment"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97336911/couple-tries-elopement/). *Evening Herald*. May 15, 1968. p. 8. Retrieved March 10, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Kleiner, Dick (October 12, 1981). ["Elaine Joyce picking up pieces after sudden death of husband Bobby Van"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97282156/elaine-joyce-wife-of-bobby-van/). *[Longview Daily News](/source/Longview_Daily_News)*. [United Feature Syndicate](/source/United_Feature_Syndicate). p. B6. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. ["Who's In The News: Bobby Van a Daddy"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97273919/birth-of-bobby-vans-daughter/). *[The Lexington Leader](/source/The_Lexington_Leader)*. June 24, 1976. p. A2. Retrieved March 9, 2022. – via [Newspapers.com](/source/Newspapers.com)

1. Michals, Bob (December 6, 1981). ["The 'Blond of the Year' Rooting for 'Mr. Merlin'"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97351251/michals-joyce-interview-p-5/). *[The Palm Beach Post](/source/The_Palm_Beach_Post)*. p. 5. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Bobby Van takes final bow to world"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97334415/bobby-van-final-bow/). *[The Daily Dispatch](/source/The_Daily_Dispatch)*. [United Press International](/source/United_Press_International). August 2, 1980. p. 3. Retrieved March 10, 2020. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Michals, Bob (December 6, 1981). ["The 'Blond of the Year' Rooting for 'Mr. Merlin'"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97347549/michals-joyce-interview-p-18/). *[The Palm Beach Post](/source/The_Palm_Beach_Post)*. p. 18. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Yves Montand on Broadway (TV)"](https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?item=T:30263). *The Paley Center for Media*. Retrieved October 12, 2024.

1. ["Wonder Woman – Beauty on Parade"](https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/beauty-on-parade/umc.cmc.7k3l9prnublez1lp602emp7zm). *[Apple TV](/source/Apple_TV_(device))*. October 12, 1976. Retrieved March 30, 2022.

1. ["Battlestar Galactica Season 1 Episode Guide"](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/battlestar-galactica/episodes-season-1/1000263260/). *[TV Guide](/source/TV_Guide)*. Retrieved March 30, 2022.

1. Pam, Jerry (ed.) (September 12, 1959). ["Bobby Van Stars in 'Oklahoma'"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98421387/bobby-van-stars-in-oklahoma/). *Valley Times*. p. 9. Retrieved March 26, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Taylor, Richard (March 16, 1961). ["Let Me Tell You"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97801065/let-me-tell-you/). *[The Star-News](/source/The_Star-News_(Chula_Vista,_California))*. Retrieved March 17, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. ["Mickey Rooney Provides Zest in 'Tunnel of Love'"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98420076/mickey-rooney-provides-zest-in-tunnel/). *[The Herald Statesman](/source/The_Herald_Statesman)*. July 17, 1963. p. 18. Retrieved March 26, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Kleiman, Carol (December 2, 1977). ["Van's 'Music Man' in key of quiet"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98462637/vans-music-man-in-key-of-quiet/). *[Chicago Tribune](/source/Chicago_Tribune)*. p. 27. Retrieved March 26, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Grooms, Roger (July 7, 1977). ["Kenley's Updated 'Anything Goes' Well"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98464346/kenleys-updated-anything-goes-well/). *[The Cincinnati Enquirer](/source/The_Cincinnati_Enquirer)*. p. D9. Retrieved March 26, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

1. Chatenever, Rick (August 17, 1979). ["Snatching Victory From Defeat"](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98467670/snatching-victory-from-defeat/). *[Santa Cruz Sentinel](/source/Santa_Cruz_Sentinel)*. p. 24. Retrieved March 26, 2022. – via Newspapers.com.

## External links

- [Bobby Van](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm888399/) at IMDb

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bobby Van](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Van) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Van?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.