Pat Hingle was a prolific and versatile actor who appeared in hundreds of films, television shows, and stage productions. He was best known for his roles as Commissioner Gordon in the Batman franchise, Judge Fenton in Hang ‘Em High, and Norma Rae’s father in Norma Rae. He died on January 3, 2009, at the age of 84, after a long struggle with myelodysplasia, a type of blood cancer. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Pat Hingle, his diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplasia, and his legacy as a character actor.
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Early Life and Career
Pat Hingle was born Martin Patterson Hingle on July 19, 1924, in Miami, Florida. His father was a building contractor and his mother was a schoolteacher and musician. He attended Weslaco High School in Texas, where he played tuba in the band. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1941, dropping out of the University of Texas. He served on the destroyer USS Marshall during World War II and was recalled to service during the Korean War on the escort destroyer USS Damato.
He returned to the University of Texas after the war and earned a degree in radio broadcasting in 1949. He moved to New York and studied acting at HB Studio and the American Theatre Wing. He became a member of the Actors Studio in 1952 and made his Broadway debut in End as a Man in 1953. He originated the role of Gooper in Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 1955 and starred as J.B. in Archibald MacLeish’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play J.B. in 1958.
Near-Fatal Accident and Recovery
In February 1959, while playing J.B. on Broadway, Hingle suffered a near-fatal accident that changed his life. He was trapped in the elevator of his apartment building when it stalled between the second and third floors. He tried to jump to the second floor landing but missed and fell 30 feet to the bottom of the shaft. He fractured his skull, wrist, hip, most of the ribs on his left side, and broke his left leg in three places. He also lost the little finger on his left hand.
He underwent several surgeries and spent months recovering at St. Clare’s Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital. He had to learn how to walk again with the aid of crutches and a cane. He also had to cope with memory loss, impaired vision, and facial paralysis. He later said that the accident made him more appreciative of life and less concerned about fame or money.
He resumed his acting career in 1960 with a role in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. He also appeared in several films, such as On the Waterfront (1954), Splendor in the Grass (1961), The Birds (1963), Nevada Smith (1966), Hang ‘Em High (1968), Bloody Mama (1970), The Grifters (1990), and many more. He became a familiar face on television as well, guest-starring in shows like The Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, MASH, St. Elsewhere, Cheers, Murder She Wrote, Matlock, The X-Files, and ER.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Myelodysplasia
In 2006, Hingle was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a disorder that affects the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. According to WebMD1, myelodysplasia can cause anemia (low red blood cell count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). These conditions can lead to fatigue, infections, bleeding, or bruising.
Hingle underwent chemotherapy and blood transfusions to treat his condition. He also continued to work as an actor until 2008. His last film role was as Mr. Dennit Sr. in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006). His last television appearance was as Judge Patrice Webb in two episodes of The Practice (2003).
Death and Legacy
Hingle died on January 3, 2009, at his home in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. He was surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Julia Wright Hingle, and their five children.
Hingle was widely respected and admired by his peers and fans for his talent, professionalism, and generosity. He was known for playing tough authority figures with a touch of humanity and humor. He was also a passionate advocate for social justice causes such as civil rights, environmental protection, and animal welfare.
He received several awards and honors for his work, including a Tony Award nomination for J.B., a Golden Globe nomination for The Grifters, a Lifetime Achievement Award