Hal Holbrook Has Passed Away At 95

And if you’ve never seen it, here is the 1977 production of “Our Town” that he starred in. It’s what made me fall in love with theater and realize this is the greatest play ever written. Holbrook’s performance as the Stage Manager is one I’ve, to this day no matter how many productions I’ve seen, never seen topped.

Our Town

Updated On: 2/2/21 at 09:24 AM

Sad to hear the news. I always think of That Certain Summer one of the first TV movies to portray a gay relationship which was groundbreaking for its time. RIP

joevitus said: "I need to rewatch Wild in the Streets."

Funny you should mention that film. I re-watched it again for the first time in years. That film is bonkers, and that cast! Holbrook, Christopher Jones, Shelley Winters, Richard Pryor, Ed Begley, Millie Perkins and a back-from-self-exile Diane Varsi.

Anyway, I doubt Holbrook will be remembered for this particular film but he has left a might fine legacy behind for generations to discover.

May he Rest In Peace.

I can still see him so clearly as Mark Twain and hear him say, "Man is the only animal that blushes...or needs to.'

That was decades ago at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN.

There is an outstanding 5 part documentary on Apple TV called Visible: Out on Television where Hal talks about making That Certain Summer and how he was strongly advised not to do it. If you are a gay baby boomer do not miss it. It makes you realize how much television has influence the rise and acceptance of gay culture.

In 1970, he was in a summer stock production of CAMELOT. It was originally billed as starring Richard Kiley and Sally Ann Howes. Kiley got a better gig and backed out (a London LA MANCHA, I believe). That moved Sally Ann to top-billing with replacement Holbrook as second-billed. Needless to say, he mopped up the floor with her- I saw it three or four times, he was that good. Of course, I also had the good fortune to see him often as Mark Twain. He always met his fans afterwards in full Twain make-up and was incredibly gracious.

Updated On: 2/3/21 at 11:20 AM