Dennis Hawley was a hotelier and the husband of actress Marcia Wallace, best known for her roles on The Bob Newhart Show and The Simpsons. He died of pancreatic cancer on June 7, 1992, at the age of 47. This article will explore his life, his marriage, and his battle with the disease that took his life.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Dennis Paul Hawley was born on September 12, 1944, in Jackson, Michigan, to Max Stewart Hawley and Winifred M Gorrell. He had a sister, Sharon, and a brother, Jim. He attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, where he majored in English and Theater. He also met his future wife, Marcia Wallace, there
After graduating from college, Hawley moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued a career in the hotel industry. He became a successful hotelier, managing several properties in California and Hawaii. He was also interested in Buddhism and meditation
Marriage and Family
Hawley married Wallace on May 18, 1986, in a Buddhist ceremony. They had met in college and reconnected years later when Wallace was a guest on The Merv Griffin Show, where Hawley was a frequent audience member. They fell in love and decided to tie the knot
Together, they adopted an infant son, Michael Hawley, in 1988. They were a happy and devoted family, enjoying their time together and supporting each other’s careers. Wallace was a successful actress and comedian, who had starred on The Bob Newhart Show as receptionist Carol Kester, and later voiced Edna Krabappel, the sarcastic teacher on The Simpsons. She also appeared on several game shows and sitcoms, such as Full House, Murphy Brown, and ALF
Pancreatic Cancer and Death
In 1991, Hawley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation, but the disease was too advanced to be cured. He fought bravely for a year, with Wallace by his side, until he succumbed to the illness on June 7, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in Big Sur, according to his wishes
His death was a devastating blow to Wallace and their son, who were left heartbroken and grieving. Wallace later said that Hawley was the love of her life and that she never remarried because she felt no one could compare to him. She also became a cancer activist, raising awareness and funds for research and prevention. She herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985, but survived and remained in remission
Legacy and Tribute
Hawley is remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend, who had a passion for life and a generous spirit. He is also honored for his contribution to the hotel industry and his support of Wallace’s career. He left behind a son, who followed his footsteps in the hospitality business, and a widow, who continued to entertain and inspire millions of fans with her humor and talent
In 1992, Wallace won an Emmy Award for her voice work on The Simpsons. She dedicated the award to Hawley, saying, “This is for my husband, Dennis, who makes me laugh when I’m not in the mood.”
In 2013, Wallace died of pneumonia and sepsis, complications from breast cancer, at the age of 70. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered with Hawley’s in Big Sur. The Simpsons paid tribute to her by retiring her character, Edna Krabappel, and showing a chalkboard message that read, “We’ll really miss you Mrs. K.”
Dennis Hawley and Marcia Wallace were a couple who shared a love that lasted beyond death. They also left a legacy of laughter and joy that will live on in the hearts of their family, friends, and fans.
