Alan Hale was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Adventures of Robin Hood, They Drive by Night, and The Sea Hawk.
Personal and Family Life
Alan Hale was born on February 10, 1892, in Washington, D.C. He was married to Gretchen Hartman from September 19, 1914, until his death in 1950, and they had three children together. His son, Alan Hale Jr., also became an actor and was known for his role in Gilligan’s Island.
Career
Hale’s career in acting began after he decided to leave behind his dreams of being an opera singer. He quickly became a sought-after supporting actor, especially for films directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Known as a busy character actor, he played notable roles throughout the 1930s and 1940s, frequently appearing with his friend Errol Flynn. His most famous character was Little John in The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1938, a role he had played in two other films as well.
Death and Legacy
Alan Hale passed away on January 22, 1950, in Hollywood, California, due to a liver ailment and a viral infection. He left behind a legacy as a versatile actor who contributed significantly to the film industry, appearing in numerous notable films. His influence continued through his son, who carried on the family name in entertainment.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Trail | 1940-12-20 | Tex Bell |
| It Happened One Night | 1934-02-22 | Danker |
| The Adventures of Robin Hood | 1938-05-13 | Little John |
| Algiers | 1938-01-16 | Grandpere |
| Destination Tokyo | 1943-12-31 | ‘Cookie’ Wainwright |
| Action in the North Atlantic | 1943-06-12 | Boats O’Hara |
| Manpower | 1941-08-09 | Jumbo Wells |
| The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse | 1921-03-06 | Karl von Hartrott |
| The Sea Hawk | 1940-08-10 | Carl Pitt |
| Rogues of Sherwood Forest | 1950-06-21 | Little John |
| God Is My Co-Pilot | 1945-04-07 | Big Mike Harrigan |
| They Drive by Night | 1940-07-26 | Ed Carlsen |
| The Adventures of Marco Polo | 1938-04-07 | Kaidu |