Dr. Rex Van de Kamp is a fictional character on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives.

Steven Culp was series creator Marc Cherry's first choice for the role of Rex, but he was unavailable when the original pilot was filmed.

[4] In June, ABC called for three starring cast members to be recast, Burke included, and Cherry offered Culp the role of Rex again.

"[6] Rex Van de Kamp is a doctor, the first husband of Bree, and the father of Andrew and Danielle.

Due to Bree's inability to sexually satisfy him, he begins seeing local homemaker and prostitute Maisy Gibbons (Sharon Lawrence).

Culp himself does not appear, but provided his face for the open casket scene in the season premiere, which saw the producers create a life mask of the actor.

The flashbacks include the Van de Kamps' 1994 move to Wisteria Lane and the first time they meet Mary Alice Young.

The episode focuses primarily on the men of Desperate Housewives (Carlos Solis, Tom Scavo, Mike Delfino, Orson Hodge, and Ian Hainsworth).

Rex appeared amongst other deceased characters in the series finale, watching over Susan and her family as she leaves Wisteria Lane.