From Hollywood Child Star To WPT Legend: Vincent Van Patten's Shocking New Career Pivot In 2025

Vincent "Vince" Van Patten, a man whose career has spanned professional tennis, Hollywood acting, and two decades as the voice of the World Poker Tour, continues to surprise fans with new athletic and entertainment ventures as of late 2024 and heading into 2025.

The renaissance man, known for his charismatic commentary and high-stakes poker play, has recently made a significant pivot into the world of professional pickleball, showcasing his lifelong competitive spirit and adding yet another unique chapter to his already extraordinary biography. This article dives into his latest career moves, his family life, and the enduring legacy of the Van Patten name.

Vincent "Vince" Van Patten: A Multifaceted Biography

Vincent Van Patten, often simply called Vince, has one of the most diverse career histories in modern entertainment and sports. Born into a famous Hollywood family, his life has been a constant blend of celebrity, athleticism, and high-stakes competition.

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• Full Name: Vincent Van Patten
• Born: October 17, 1957
• Birthplace: Bellerose, New York, U.S.
• Father: Dick Van Patten (Actor)
• Mother: Patricia "Pat" Van Patten
• Siblings: James Van Patten, Nels Van Patten
• First Marriage (Former Wife): Betsy Russell (Actress, married 1989–2001)
• Current Spouse: Eileen Davidson (Soap Opera Actress, married 2003–Present)
• Children: Richard Van Patten, Jesse Van Patten (from first marriage), and Vincent Van Patten Jr. (also referred to as Vince Jr. or Vinnie, from first marriage)
• Notable Careers: Child Actor, Professional Tennis Player, World Poker Tour (WPT) Commentator, Author, Director, Producer, and now, Professional Pickleball Player.

Vince was thrust into the spotlight as a child actor, appearing in several television shows and movies, but he later transitioned to a highly successful career as a world-ranked professional tennis player, reaching a career-high rank of 26 in 1981.

The Unexpected Pivot: Vince Van Patten's Pickleball Career

Perhaps the most surprising development in Vincent Van Patten's career is his recent emergence in the professional pickleball circuit. This move highlights his dedication to competitive sports, transitioning his skills from the tennis court to the smaller, faster-paced pickleball court.

In a major career update, Van Patten was recently added to the roster of the Coachella Valley Scorpions as an injury substitute for the National Pickleball League® (NPL). This addition confirms his status as a legitimate competitor in the sport, not just a celebrity enthusiast. He has been actively participating in tournaments, including the PPA Tour: Las Vegas Pickleball Cup in the Senior Pro Men's Doubles category.

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His transition to pickleball is a natural fit, leveraging his background as a former top-ranked tennis pro. The sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a massive surge in popularity, and Van Patten’s involvement brings a significant level of celebrity and athletic credibility to the senior professional league.

This latest athletic pursuit demonstrates that even after decades in the public eye, Van Patten maintains a fierce competitive drive. He is now competing at a high level alongside a new generation of players, cementing his reputation as a true "renaissance man" in the world of sports and entertainment.

The Enduring Legacy of the World Poker Tour (WPT)

While his pickleball career is gaining traction, Vincent Van Patten remains best known globally as the beloved commentator for the World Poker Tour (WPT). For over two decades, Vince has been the voice of high-stakes poker, providing colorful and insightful commentary that has helped popularize the game worldwide.

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His partnership with co-commentator Mike Sexton (until Sexton's passing) and now Tony Dunst has been central to the WPT's success. This role is more than just commentary; it's a deep dive into the psychology of the game, a skill Van Patten honed as a recreational poker player himself.

Recent WPT and Poker Activity (2024–2025)

Far from simply observing, Van Patten is an active participant in the poker scene. His involvement remains current and highly visible:

• WPT World Championship: Van Patten was actively involved in the major WPT events at Wynn Las Vegas. His poker database records show participation in the $9,800 + 600 No Limit Hold'em WPT World Championship in December 2024.
• Tournament Results: He also placed in the ClubWPT Gold $5M Invitational Freeroll at Wynn Las Vegas in 2024, demonstrating he still competes at a high level.
• Future Events: His name is also listed in relation to the 2025 WPT World Championship events, indicating his continued commitment to the poker world as both a player and commentator.

His dual role as a WPT host and a competitive player gives him a unique perspective, making his commentary on the high-stakes cash games and tournaments particularly authentic and engaging for viewers.

Family Life and Hollywood Connections

Vince Van Patten's personal life is as intertwined with Hollywood as his professional career. He is currently married to Emmy-winning soap opera star Eileen Davidson, known for her roles on *The Young and the Restless* and *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*.

The couple, who married in 2003, often share glimpses of their life together, which is largely based in Malibu, California. Davidson's appearances on reality television have occasionally brought their family life, including their sons, into the public domain, though Vince himself maintains a focus on his sports and commentary work.

Furthermore, Vince is the son of legendary actor Dick Van Patten, who was a beloved figure in television, most notably for his role on *Eight Is Enough*. The extended Van Patten family includes several actors, producers, and directors, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's long-standing dynasties.

From a child actor appearing in classic television to a top-ranked tennis player, a poker icon, and now a professional pickleball athlete, Vincent Van Patten's career trajectory is a testament to his versatility and passion for competition. His active participation in the WPT and the NPL ensures that his status as a relevant and dynamic public figure will continue well into the mid-2020s.