Hal Holbrook

Date of Birth: February 17, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 23, 2021

Biography

Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr., known professionally as Hal Holbrook, was an acclaimed American actor, director, and writer. Born on February 17, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, Holbrook’s career spanned over six decades, making him a beloved figure in both theater and film. He is perhaps best known for his one-man show “Mark Twain Tonight!”, which he performed for over 60 years. Holbrook’s portrayal of Mark Twain earned him a Tony Award in 1966 and established him as one of the foremost interpreters of Twain’s work. Holbrook’s acting career extended beyond the stage to include numerous memorable roles in film and television. He received critical acclaim for his performances in movies such as “All the President’s Men” (1976), “Julia” (1977), and “Into the Wild” (2007), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Holbrook also had a recurring role on the TV series “Designing Women” and appeared in other TV shows like “The West Wing” and “Sons of Anarchy.” A versatile and dedicated actor, Holbrook’s contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. Known for his meticulous preparation and deep understanding of the characters he portrayed, Holbrook left an indelible mark on American theater and cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Hal Holbrook

1. Hal Holbrook’s one-man show “Mark Twain Tonight!” began as a senior honors project at Denison University and eventually became a defining part of his career.

2. He served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was stationed in Newfoundland.

3. Holbrook was married three times, with his last marriage being to actress Dixie Carter from 1984 until her death in 2010.

4. He won five Primetime Emmy Awards throughout his career, showcasing his talent across different mediums.

5. At the age of 82, Holbrook became the oldest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in “Into the Wild.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hal Holbrook

1. “Mark Twain’s humor was not for an afternoon or a century, but for all time.”

2. “We must always strive to find the truth because it is the foundation of everything genuine.”

3. “I never stopped learning, and I never stopped loving the challenge of acting.”

4. “Theater is where I started, and it’s where my heart will always be.”

5. “Every performance is a new adventure, a chance to discover something I never knew before.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Hal Holbrook was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Hal Holbrook had three children: two daughters, Victoria Holbrook and Eve Holbrook, from his first marriage to Ruby Johnston, and a son, David Holbrook, from his second marriage to Carol Eve Rossen.