Charles Hyatt
Charles Eglerton Hyatt (14 February 1931 – 01 January 2007) was a Jamaican actor, playwright, director, author and broadcaster. Hyatt was best known as a character actor and comedian who appeared in numerous films and television shows, beginning in the 1960s.[1][2]
Charles Hyatt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charles Eglerton Hyatt 14 February 1931 |
| Died | 1 January 2007 (aged 75) Palm Bay, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Film, television actor, writer |
| Years active | 1961–2007 |
| Spouse | Vera Hyatt |
| Children | 4 |
Early life
Hyatt was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Herbert Hyatt, a taxi-driver, and Ruth Burke, a homemaker. He attended St Aloysious Boys' School and St Simon’s College.[3]
Career
After making his movie debut in the 1965 film A High Wind in Jamaica, Hyatt had notable performances in the films The Bushbaby (1969), Crossplot (1969), Freelance (1971), Love Thy Neighbour (1973), Club Paradise (1986), Milk and Honey (1988), The Mighty Quinn (1989), Cool Runnings (1993) and Almost Heaven (2005).
Hyatt was the recipient of Jamaica's national honour of Order of Distinction (OD),[3] and was awarded the Institute of Jamaica Centenary Medal and the silver Musgrave Medal.[1]
Personal life
Hyatt was married to Vera Hyatt, an art historian, museologist, and former Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Jamaica. They had three children together, including Charlene Hyatt, now known as the actress Michael Hyatt.[4] The marriage ended in divorce.
Hyatt then married Marjorie Hyatt.[5] Hyatt died in Florida, United States, of lung cancer on 1 January 2007.[5]
Partial filmography
- A High Wind in Jamaica (1965) – Pirate
- The Bushbaby (1969) – Gideon
- Crossplot (1969) – President Maudula
- Freelance (1971) – McNair
- Love Thy Neighbour (1973) – Joe Reynolds
- The Marijuana Affair (1975)
- Club Paradise (1986) – Mr. Banks
- Milk and Honey (1988) – Village Preacher
- The Mighty Quinn (1989) – Security Guard
- Cool Runnings (1993) – Whitby Bevil – Sr.
- Almost Heaven (2005) – Doctor (final film role)
References
- "Charles Hyatt". This is Jamaica. Jamaica Information Service. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- McCatty, Kerry (2 January 2007). "Charles Hyatt takes final bow – News". The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 21 June 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- "About Charles Hyatt". The Charles Hyatt Foundation. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
- Rowe, Marcia (27 July 2015). "Hyatt Details Acting Journey". The Gleaner. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- Goodwin, Clayton (24 February 2007). "Obituary: Charles Hyatt". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2016.