Coach Actor Jerry Van Dyke Dies at 86

Coach actor Jerry Van Dyke has passed away at the age of 86, according to TMZ.

The gossip site reports that Van Dyke's wife Shirley confirmed the actor's death. He died Friday, Jan. 5 in their Arkansas home by her side. She did not include a specific cause of death but stated that the couple had been involved in a car accident two years ago and Van Dyke's health had been deteriorating ever since.

Jerry is the brother of Dick Van Dyke and also began his career as a stand-up comedian. He got his first big break on The Dick Van Dyke Show before making appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show and getting a regular gig on The Judy Garland Show.

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Van Dyke is probably most known for his role of Asst. Coach Luther Van Dam on Coach, opposite Craig T. Nelson. The series ran from 1989 to 1997 on ABC. Van Dyke has since appeared on sitcoms Yes, Dear and The Middle.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, his brother Dick and his three children Nancee, Jerri Lynn and Ronald.