Hal Holbrook, Oscar-Nominated Star Of Into The Wild, Has Died Aged 95

Oscar-nominated actor Hal Holbrook has died at the age of 95.

He was best known for roles in films like All The President’s Men, Wall Street and Into The Wild.

Hal’s assistant, Joyce Cohen, confirmed to the New York Times that he died on 23 January at his home in Beverly Hills, California. 

No cause of death was given. 

Hal Holbrook at the premiere of Planes: Fire And Rescue in 2014.

 

In All The President’s Men, the US star played Deep Throat – whose identity was still unknown when the film was released in 1976 – while his performance in Into The Wild earned him his first Oscar nomination, at the age of 82.

This made him the oldest person to ever be nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, a record that was later broken when Robert Duvall was recognised in the same category seven years later.

He also starred in Steven Spielberg’s biopic Lincoln in 2012, playing the journalist Francis Preston Blair.

Hal Holbrook and Emile Hirsch on the set of Into The Wild

During his career, Hal also lent his voice to several Disney films, including Hercules and Planes: Fire And Rescue, as well as making appearances in TV shows like Portrait Of America and The West Wing.

In 2017, Hal made his final on-screen in an episode of the police drama Hawaii Five-0.

While many will know Hal from his film and television roles, in the theatre world he’ll be best remembered for his one-man show Mark Twain Live!.

Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain in 1984

Hal first began portraying the American author in 1954, and continued to do so for more than 60 years, eventually retiring from playing Mark Twain in 2017.

In 1966, he won a Tony for his performance as Mark Twain, later earning an Emmy for playing him in a TV special based on his play.

Hal Holbrook at the premiere of Planes: Fire And Rescue in 2014.

The actor was married three times. He and his third wife Dixie were married for 26 years, until her death in 2010.

Hal is survived by his three children, Victoria, David and Eve.