Robert F. Patten, 76; Film and Television Character Actor

Robert F. Patten, 76, a character actor whose film credits included “Twelve O’Clock High” and “Black Sunday,” died of cancer Saturday at his home in Malibu.

Patten appeared in more than 180 film and television productions, including “Personal Best,” “Guide for the Married Man,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on the big screen. Among his many TV credits were “Matlock,” “Wonder Woman,” “Happy Days,” “Kojak,” “Gunsmoke” and “I Spy.”

A longtime resident of the coastal city, Patten served as president of the Malibu Road Assn. and was on the Board of Directors of the Malibu Township Council. He was also an active supporter of the Malibu Labor Exchange (to which memorial donations may be sent: P.O. 2273, Malibu, CA 90265).

Born in Tacoma, Wash., Patten majored in drama at the University of Washington. After serving as a navigator in the Air Corps during World War II, he moved to Southern California in 1948 and began his acting career.