Anecdotes

Was inspired to become an actor after seeing Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in the play "Picnic" on Broadway (1953).

Served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1961.

Has done regular two-month tours with Roscoe Lee Browne, reading lyric and dramatic verse in a production entitled "Behind the Broken Words" (1996).

Studied drama under the tutelage of Stella Adler in New York City.

Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continuing Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Drama Series as Lieutenant K.C. Trench on the crime drama Harry O (1973).

He and his sister-in-law Salome Jens have both played "Star Trek" villains. He played Admiral Matthew Dougherty in Star Trek : Insurrection (1998) while she played the Female Changeling on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993).

Has performed a continuing project of Colorado writer, poet, and lyricist Joe Henry entitled "Prelude to Lime Creek," which he adapted for the stage (2000).

Has two children: Jared Lee Van and Janet Zerbe.

Attended and graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California.

Parents were Arthur Lee Van and Catherine Zerbe.

Has appeared with Clifton James in three films: Luke la main froide (1967), Will Penny, le solitaire (1967), and Le Flic ricanant (1973).

His five appearances on Mission impossible (1966) as a guest-star villain were the most in the series by any actor.

Bears a strong vocal resemblance to actor Patrick O'Neal.