Hubbry Logo
Tom HattenTom HattenMain
Open search
Tom Hatten
Community hub
Tom Hatten
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tom Hatten
Tom Hatten
Tom Hatten
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Tom Hatten (November 14, 1926 – March 16, 2019) was an American radio, film and television personality and actor, known as the long-time host of The Popeye Show (originally The Pier Point 5 Club) and Family Film Festival on KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles from the 1960s until the 1980s. Hatten was one of those television "pioneers"—from the 1950s and 1960s programs done "live"—no matter what mistakes happened. He also appeared in dozens of musicals, films and television shows.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Hatten was born in Jamestown, North Dakota.[1] He served in the United States Navy during World War II and used the GI Bill[2] to study acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.[3] He graduated cum laude[4] in 1950.[2]

The Popeye Show

[edit]

In 1952, Hatten started working as a broadcaster at KTLA in Hollywood. He was a newscaster and announcer when the station launched the afternoon children's show, The Pier 5 Club, with Hatten as Skipper Tom in September 1956.[5]

The demise of The Pier 5 Club came in 1964 when Hatten left KTLA. In 1976, however, he returned to the station and revived the series as Popeye and His Friends, which ran until 1988.[5]

Following the end of the Popeye program, Hatten was host of KTLA's Family Film Festival.[4]

Family Film Festival

[edit]

The Family Film Festival was a weekend-afternoon feature on KTLA 5 between 1978 and 1992, with Hatten screening a classic film, often from the 1940s, 1950s or 1960s. During breaks in the show, he would offer anecdotes about the film's history or its actors, or even conduct brief interviews with a cast or crew member (a practice that originally predated the cable networks American Movie Classics and Turner Classic Movies; see those articles for details). Many "Gen X"-aged men and women, born throughout the 1970s and raised in Los Angeles, were introduced to the films of Jerry Lewis, The Little Rascals, and Pippi Longstocking, as well as animated films like Gay Purr-ee, Hoppity Goes to Town, The Phantom Tollbooth, Once Upon a Time and Star Blazers through Hatten's Family Film Festival. The Little River Band's song "Reminiscing" was used as bumper music.

Career

[edit]

Hatten's acting credits include portraying a corrupt US Army general in the comedy film Spies Like Us (1985), with Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase. He appeared as Captain Murdock in several episodes of the television show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. and had a minor role as an officer in three episodes of Hogan's Heroes. Hatten provided the voice of the character Farmer Fitzgibbons in the animated film The Secret of NIMH.[citation needed]

On stage, in 1959, Hatten performed in a Los Angeles production of The Billy Barnes Revue concurrently with hosting the Popeye TV show.[6] He portrayed Horace Vandergelder in the West Coast Opera Theatre's production of Hello, Dolly! in 1991. He also appeared in a touring production of the musical Annie as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.[4]

For nearly 20 years, Hatten worked as an award-winning entertainment reporter for KNX 1070 News radio in Los Angeles, filing regular reports on the movie industry, new films, and celebrity news.[7] He left the station in 2007.

Hatten served on the board of the National Student Film Institute and was a frequent presenter at its annual film festival.[8][9]

Personal life

[edit]

Hatten was in a relationship with costume and set designer Peter Menefee for over fifty years.[10]

Death

[edit]

Hatten died on March 16, 2019, at the age of 92.[1]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1965 I Saw What You Did Gerald Nyes
1965 A Very Special Favor Therapy Group Member Uncredited
1967 Easy Come, Easy Go Lt. J.G Uncredited
1969 Sweet Charity Man in Tandem Uncredited
1975 Promise Him Anything O'Brien TV movie
1982 The Secret of NIMH Farmer Fitzgibbons Voice
1985 Spies Like Us General Miegs
2004 Bravura Mr. Casey Short, (final film role)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Hatten

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tom Hatten (November 14, 1926 – March 16, 2019) was an American television host, actor, and radio personality best known for his long-running tenure at in , where he hosted children's programs featuring classic cartoons and films for over three decades. Born in , and raised in , Hatten served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of before using benefits to attend the Pasadena Playhouse School of Theatre, from which he graduated cum laude in 1950. He began his broadcasting career at in 1952 as an announcer and rose to prominence hosting "The Pier 5 Club," featuring cartoons, from 1956 to 1964, and later "Popeye and His Friends" from 1976 to 1988, where he entertained generations of young viewers with episodes of the sailor cartoon character, often while dressed in a nautical uniform and engaging in light-hearted sketches and doodling. In addition to his children's programming, Hatten hosted the KTLA Family from 1978 to 1992, showcasing classic Hollywood movies and providing commentary that educated audiences on film history. He also worked as an entertainment correspondent for KNX 1070 News Radio from 1978 to 2007, sharing his extensive knowledge of Hollywood, Broadway, , and . As an actor, Hatten appeared in supporting roles across television series such as Gomer Pyle, USMC, , , Wings, and Hawaii Five-0, as well as films including (1985), (1982), and (1969); he also performed on Broadway. Hatten, who was in a 50-year relationship with his partner Pete Menefee, a , passed away at the age of 92.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Tom Hatten was born on November 14, 1926, in , a small city in the known for its agricultural roots and rural character. His family soon relocated to , where Hatten spent his formative years in the modest, community-oriented environment of this small Western town, surrounded by farmland and a tight-knit population. In his early adulthood, Hatten moved to , transitioning from his Northwestern upbringing toward new horizons in the entertainment industry.

Military Service and Education

Tom Hatten enlisted in the United States Navy toward the end of , serving during the final months of the conflict. Following the war, Hatten utilized benefits from the to pursue formal training in at the School of the Theatre. There, he immersed himself in comprehensive studies of dramatic arts, including scene work, voice training, and , honing skills that would prove essential to his future career. A director's evaluation from the program stated: “Tom is a good, good ‘type.’ He’ll make a wonderful ‘second man,’” highlighting his potential upon completion of the coursework. Hatten graduated cum laude from the in 1950, marking a pivotal transition from military service to the entertainment industry. While specific student performances from his time at the school are not widely documented, his academic distinction underscored his dedication and talent in acting fundamentals. In the immediate years after graduation, Hatten began seeking opportunities in television and radio, including an appearance on ABC-TV's "Space Patrol" in , which served as an early audition-like showcase of his on-camera presence and announcing abilities. These initial efforts positioned him for entry into broadcasting, bridging his educational foundation with professional prospects.

Broadcasting Career

Radio Work

Tom Hatten began his radio career in 1986 as an entertainment reporter for KNX 1070 Newsradio in Los Angeles, a role he held until his retirement in 2007. Over two decades, he provided daily updates on Hollywood developments, drawing on his extensive broadcasting background to deliver insightful commentary to listeners across Southern California. His work filled a vital niche in local radio by bridging entertainment news with personal anecdotes, making complex industry stories accessible to a broad audience. Hatten's signature segment, the "Entertainment Report," aired twice daily and featured curated news from sources like the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Daily Variety. He often included interviews with film stars and directors, as well as trivia about classic movies and tributes to industry figures upon their passing, such as reflections on the legacies of actors like . This format emphasized engaging storytelling over dry reporting, with Hatten emulating the conversational style of vintage Hollywood columnists like Jimmy Fidler. His reports not only informed but also entertained, highlighting premieres, award shows, and behind-the-scenes gossip from studios like and Paramount. In the later stages of his career, Hatten added radio reporting to his television hosting duties at , leveraging skills honed during his early days as a staff announcer at the station starting in 1952. This expansion allowed him to focus on audio storytelling, where his voice modulation—refined through training at the School of the Theatre, from which he graduated cum laude in 1950—proved particularly effective. The move capitalized on the overlap between his on-camera poise and radio's demand for clear, modulated delivery, enabling seamless interviews and narrative segments without visual aids. Hatten's radio tenure earned him recognition as an award-winning reporter, noted for his consistent contributions to coverage at KNX.

The Popeye Show

Tom Hatten's tenure on The Popeye Show began with the program's origins as The Pier 5 Club, a children's program launched on in in 1956, where Hatten served as host (as "Skipper Tom") after joining the station as an announcer in 1952. Dressed in whites to evoke a nautical theme, Hatten presented classic cartoons from the , marking his transition from announcing work into interactive children's television. The show rebranded to The Popeye Show in 1956, featuring a more elaborate studio set designed like a ship to enhance the maritime adventure feel, and it aired daily in the afternoons until 1964, when it briefly ended amid shifts in programming trends but was revived due to strong audience demand. Hatten's hosting style emphasized education and creativity, distinguishing the program from typical cartoon broadcasts through live segments where he demonstrated drawing techniques, often turning simple "squiggles" into characters or other figures, encouraging young viewers to participate at home. He introduced each cartoon with engaging commentary on its history, including creators like and the Fleischer brothers, fostering an appreciation for beyond mere . Interactions with child audiences were a hallmark, as selected home viewers—chosen by lottery—joined studio segments to draw alongside Hatten, creating a sense of direct involvement that built community among fans. The program also included occasional live sketches and guest appearances, such as by voice actress , who reprised roles like , adding authenticity and excitement. Produced by , an independent station then owned by Paramount, The Popeye Show targeted families and became a cornerstone of local afternoon programming, airing five days a week at 5 p.m. and drawing significant viewership that sustained its popularity across generations. The show's elements, including membership drives and autograph sessions, further engaged young audiences, turning passive viewing into active participation. Hatten revived the format as Popeye and His Friends from 1976 to 1988, maintaining the core blend of cartoons, drawing lessons, and kid-friendly interactions while adapting to evolving broadcast standards, solidifying its cultural role in children's television.

Family Film Festival

In 1978, Tom Hatten launched Family Film Festival on , a weekend program that aired until 1992 and featured curated classic films from through the , designed for family viewing. The show typically occupied two-hour slots on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m., with occasional extensions for longer musicals, during which Hatten provided structured commentary segments totaling about nine minutes—delivered at the opening, during commercial breaks, and at the conclusion of each film. selected and edited the films, emphasizing comedies, musicals, and series like the Bob Hope-Bing Crosby "Road" pictures or features, shifting the focus from Hatten's earlier children's programming to broader family entertainment that still appealed to younger audiences. Hatten's hosting role centered on warm, engaging narration that brought the films to life through , anecdotes, and insights, particularly highlighting lesser-known character actors and production details from old Hollywood. He cultivated an enthusiastic, informative persona, explaining his approach as aiming "to do the stuff that I think that people who like old films want to know," which educated viewers on the craft behind the movies and fostered intergenerational appreciation. This style drew on his foundational experience from reviving in 1976, maintaining continuity in family-oriented content while expanding to live-action classics. The program had a lasting impact on Southern California audiences, introducing generations of families—especially children—to golden-age cinema in a pre-cable era, much like an early version of , and building a loyal viewership through its accessible, insightful format. Occasional guest appearances, such as actor promoting My Favorite Year and Perfect Strangers in 1989, added promotional flair to select episodes, enhancing audience engagement without overshadowing Hatten's central narration.

Acting Career

Film Roles

Tom Hatten began his on-screen career in the mid-1960s, taking on minor roles that showcased his versatility as a amid his demanding schedule at in . These appearances were typically brief and scheduled around his hosting duties, allowing him to leverage his local industry connections for occasional work in theatrical releases and television movies. Hatten's debut came in the 1965 thriller I Saw What You Did, directed by William Castle, where he played the supporting role of Gerald Nyes, a figure entangled in the film's prank-gone-wrong plot involving teenage girls and a murderer. Produced by Universal Pictures, the low-budget horror-comedy was shot in Los Angeles, fitting neatly into Hatten's routine as a KTLA announcer at the time. That same year, he appeared uncredited as a Therapy Group Member in the romantic comedy A Very Special Favor, starring Rock Hudson and Lucille Ball, under Michael Gordon's direction for Universal. The film, set in a psychiatric context, featured Hatten in a group therapy scene, a quick shoot that aligned with his early television commitments without disrupting his primary role in local media. In 1967, Hatten had an uncredited part as Lieutenant Junior Grade, a naval officer, in the Elvis Presley musical Easy Come, Easy Go, directed by John Rich for Paramount Pictures. Filmed primarily in Southern California, including naval bases, the lighthearted service comedy required minimal screen time from Hatten, enabling him to balance it with his emerging on-air presence at KTLA. Hatten continued with another uncredited appearance in 1969's Sweet Charity, Bob Fosse's musical adaptation of Federico Fellini's Nights of Cabiria, starring Shirley MacLaine. He portrayed a Man in Tandem during a bustling New York street sequence, a role captured amid the film's elaborate choreography and shot in both New York and Los Angeles stages, which he accommodated alongside his KTLA shifts. Shifting to television movies, Hatten took a credited speaking role as O'Brien in the 1975 ABC production Promise Him Anything, a comedy directed by Edward Parone and starring . The film, centered on a dating service mishap, was produced in Los Angeles, allowing Hatten to film during off-hours from his KTLA hosting, including early segments of The Popeye Show. One of his more prominent film roles arrived in 1985 with Spies Like Us, Ivan Reitman's Cold War comedy featuring and , where Hatten played the credited role of General Miegs, a military authority figure in a key briefing scene. Produced by in locations including and but with U.S. interiors in Los Angeles, this part came during a busy period for Hatten, who hosted Popeye and Friends and Family Film Festival simultaneously, often flying back for tapings. Hatten's final on-screen film appearance was in the 2004 short Bravura, directed by Michael Gonzales, where he portrayed Mr. Casey in a dramatic narrative about personal redemption. This independent Los Angeles production marked a late-career return to acting after years focused on radio reporting, fitting into his semi-retired schedule following decades of balancing entertainment pursuits.

Television Appearances

Tom Hatten transitioned into scripted television acting during the 1960s, leveraging his experience as a broadcaster to secure guest roles in popular sitcoms and dramas. His on-camera poise, honed through years of announcing, contributed to his natural presence in these performances. Hatten appeared in six episodes of the CBS sitcom Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. between 1964 and 1965, portraying military officers such as Captain Murdock and Captain Hathaway. These roles often involved interactions with the main characters in camp-based scenarios, showcasing his ability to deliver authoritative yet comedic lines. In Hogan's Heroes, another CBS comedy series, Hatten made four guest appearances from 1966 to 1971, playing various military officers including an Air Force Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. Notable among these was his role as Captain Edward H. Martin in the season 1 episode "The Gold Rush," where he assisted in a plot involving stolen gold, as well as parts in "Klink's Escape" and others that highlighted the show's wartime intrigue. Beyond these recurring spots, Hatten guest-starred in episodes of several other series, including (1964) as a Thrush officer, (1960s), (1965) as Fargo, Hawaii Five-0 (1970s-1980s), (1980s), (1980s), and Wings (1990s). These appearances spanned spy thrillers, family comedies, and later workplace sitcoms, often casting him in authoritative or supporting roles that aligned with his professional demeanor. Hatten's acting pursuits intersected with his KTLA commitments, as he balanced hosting duties on shows like with filming guest spots during the and , allowing him to maintain a local presence while expanding into national television. This dual career marked his evolution from non-scripted hosting to character-driven , where he appeared in over a dozen series across three decades.

Voice and Stage Work

Tom Hatten provided the voice for Farmer Fitzgibbons in the 1982 animated film , directed by . In this role, he portrayed the human farmer whose family interacts with the story's anthropomorphic animal characters, contributing to the film's blend of live-action elements and . Hatten also lent his voice to various commercials throughout his career, leveraging his broadcasting experience for audio narration and character work. Hatten's stage career spanned several decades, with notable performances in musical theater productions. In 1962, he appeared in Billy Barnes' L.A. Revue at the Coronet Theatre in , where he performed alongside cast members including and ; the show's original features his contributions to songs like "." Later, in 1991, Hatten took on the role of Horace Vandergelder in the West Coast Opera Theatre's production of Hello, Dolly!, a regional staging of the musical. That same year, he portrayed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in a touring production of Annie. Hatten's formal training at the , where he graduated with honors in 1950 using benefits, provided a strong foundation in dramatic and musical performance that shaped his approach to both and roles. His early radio work, including announcing and reporting, further developed his vocal modulation and timing, skills that transitioned seamlessly into animated voicing and theatrical delivery.

Personal Life and Death

Relationships and Family

Tom Hatten maintained a devoted partnership with Pete Menefee, an acclaimed known for his Emmy-winning work in television production, that spanned over fifty years. The couple shared a home in , where their mutual involvement in the entertainment industry fostered a supportive domestic life centered on creative pursuits and quiet companionship. He was survived by several nieces and nephews.

Final Years and Passing

After retiring from his position as entertainment editor at KNX 1070 News Radio in 2007, where he had worked since 1978, Hatten largely stepped away from public broadcasting roles. In his later years, Hatten resided in with his longtime partner, Pete Menefee, who provided support during this period of reduced activity. Hatten passed away on March 16, 2019, in at the age of 92. No public details were released regarding arrangements.

Legacy

Impact on Children's Television

Tom Hatten's hosting of and its successor Popeye and His Friends on from the mid-1950s through 1988 played a pivotal role in popularizing afternoon cartoon programming in , establishing a model for engaging local children's television that emphasized and . By dressing as a sailor and drawing characters like live on air, Hatten introduced young viewers to the artistry of , particularly the 1930s cartoons, fostering an early appreciation for the craft among LA-area children. His signature "squiggles" segment, where he transformed random lines into recognizable figures alongside viewer participation, encouraged creativity and made the show a cultural staple, outshining contemporaries like Engineer Bill and Sheriff John in popularity for many kids. Through KTLA's Family Film Festival from 1978 to 1992, Hatten extended his influence to family-oriented viewing, promoting classic cinema as an educational tool by curating weekends dedicated to specific actors or directors, such as Jerry Lewis marathons, and providing insightful commentary on film history. This approach not only delighted children and adults alike but also bridged generational gaps, introducing younger audiences to Old Hollywood while highlighting lesser-known character actors, thereby enriching LA's local TV culture with accessible film . Hatten's broader contributions shaped hosting styles for child audiences by prioritizing relatable, inspirational engagement over mere narration, influencing subsequent LA programmers through techniques like live demonstrations and thematic programming that blended fun with learning. The enduring runs of his shows—spanning over three decades—underscore their cultural resonance, as evidenced by their role in shaping figures like director and evoking widespread nostalgia among viewers.

Tributes and Recognition

Following Tom Hatten's death on March 16, 2019, at the age of 92, major media outlets published obituaries that celebrated his enduring presence in television, particularly his decades-long association with . The described him as a "fixture of local TV since the ," emphasizing his role in entertaining generations of children through shows like and His Friends and The Family Film Festival, with his passing confirmed by longtime partner Pete Menefee. Similarly, Deadline highlighted Hatten's multifaceted career as an , , and host, noting his contributions to programming over more than 60 years. ABC7 Los Angeles referred to him as a "legendary TV personality," focusing on his long stint hosting The Family Film Festival and the affection he inspired among viewers. An appreciation piece in the further underscored Hatten's personal impact, with a former viewer recalling him as more than just a host but a comforting figure who made childhood weekends "magical" through his engaging on-air persona. , where Hatten spent much of his career, issued a statement mourning his loss and recognizing his diverse roles, including hosting , as confirmed by former colleague Pete Menefee. During his lifetime, Hatten received limited formal awards. Industry peers, including connections through figures like , remembered him fondly for his versatility in broadcasting and . Posthumously, fans of have maintained online remembrances, with many expressing for Hatten's live drawing segments and sailor-suited hosting style that captivated young audiences in the and . A memorial video tribute on , titled "The Popeye Show" Host & Actor Tom Hatten 1926-2019, has garnered over 13,000 views, featuring clips from his programs and fan-submitted memories. These efforts highlight the lasting devotion among enthusiasts who credit Hatten with sparking their interest in cartoons and creativity.

References

  1. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/tom-hatten-who-hosted-family-film-festival-on-ktla-dies-at-92/
  2. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-tom-hatten-obit-20190317-story.html
  3. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-tom-hatten-appreciation-20190317-story.html
  4. https://deadline.com/2019/03/tom-hatten-dies-at-92-1202577018/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369000/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369000/bio/
  7. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/197607867/tom-hatten
  8. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-01-ca-7641-story.html
  9. https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/tom-hatten
  10. https://patch.com/california/hollywood/tom-hatten-tv-legend-is-honored-at-mussos
  11. https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/blogs/knx-1070-entertainment-reporter-tom-hatten-dies-92
  12. https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Tom_Hatten
  13. https://hogansheroes.fandom.com/wiki/Tom_Hatten
  14. https://www.newsfromme.com/2019/03/16/tom-hatten-r-i-p/
  15. http://www.tvparty.com/lostpopeye1.html
  16. https://abc7.com/post/tom-hatten-legendary-tv-personality-dies-at-92/5204710/
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059297/characters/nm0369000
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059297/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059868/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/The-Secret-of-NIMH/Farmer-Fitzgibbons/
  21. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Tom-Hatten/
  22. https://www.discogs.com/master/1732410-Various-Billy-Barnes-LA
  23. https://www.palosverdespulse.com/blog/petemenefee
  24. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2019/03/19/tv-host-tom-hatten-who-kept-generations-of-la-kids-company-dies-at-92/
  25. https://www.facebook.com/tvrandywest/photos/d41d8cd9/10236527186984596/
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P_q11v-hyc
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.