Popeye And Friends host and Los Angeles 'local legend' Tom Hatten dies at the age of 92
TV's Tom Hatten has died at the age of 92.
The actor/host/producer was best known for hosting the children's show Popeye And Friends from 1976 to 1988.
Los Angeles TV station KTLA honored the 'local legend' after announcing his death on Saturday.
Remembered: Popeye And Friends host and local LA broadcaster Tom Hatten recently passed away at the age of 92. Above in 2012
Hatten's passing was confirmed by longtime friend and former KTLA producer Joe Quasarano.
Hatten became a fixture in LA broadcasting, starting his career with KTLA all the way back in 1952.
Share this article
Born in 1926 in Jamestown, North Dakota, the TV presenter served in the US Navy during World War II and afterwards used his GI Bill to attend the Pasadena Playhouse's now-defunct school of theater.
Toon town: The actor/host/producer was best known for hosting the children's show Popeye And Friends from 1976 to 1988
Local legend: Hatten (above in 2007) became a mainstay in LA broadcasting, starting his career with KTLA all the way back in 1952
From 1976 to 1988, he hosted the daily children's show Popeye And Friends and from 1978 to 1992 he was the host of KTLA's Family Film Festival.
In addition to his hosting gigs, Tom had acting parts in Hogan's Heroes, Hawaii 5-0 and Gomer Pyle: USMC, a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show.
He was also the entertainment editor for LA's KNX 1070 News Radio from 1978 to 2007, and became known for his portrayal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt with the touring company of the musical Annie.
Class act: In addition to his hosting gigs, Tom *above in 1985) had acting parts in Hogan's Heroes, Hawaii 5-0 and Gomer Pyle: USMC, a spin-off of The Andy Griffith Show
Tribute: KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin paid tribute to the TV talent on Saturday
Speaking about his time in the industry with the Los Angeles Times back in 1991, Hatten said: 'I don’t mind having fun in small parts, or doing a kids’ show. I don’t mind doing what I’m doing as long as I’m in the business.'
Director Jon Landis, remembered trying to get his puppet show on 'the Popeye' show when he ended up offering the role of a corrupt general to Hatten for the comedy Spies Like Us.
KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin paid tribute to the TV talent on Saturday, tweeting: 'On a warm and beautiful day locally, perhaps it is only fitting that we learn of the passing of a warm and really beautiful man. Local media legend, and an actor with considerable credits...'
Hatten is survived by his partner of 50-years Pete Menifee, as well as beloved nieces and nephews.
Beloved: Hatten (above in 1992) is survived by his partner of 50-years Pete Menifee, as well as beloved nieces and nephews
Most watched News videos
- Protesters slash bus tyre to stop migrant removal from London hotel
- Police raid university library after it was taken over by protestors
- Police and protestors blocking migrant coach violently clash
- Hainault: Tributes including teddy and sign 'RIP Little Angel'
- The King and Queen are presented with the Coronation Roll
- King Charles makes appearance at Royal Windsor Horse Show
- Shocking moment yob launches vicious attack on elderly man
- King Charles makes appearance at Royal Windsor Horse Show
- Taxi driver admits to overspeeding minutes before killing pedestrian
- Keir Starmer addresses Labour's lost votes following stance on Gaza
- UK students establish Palestinian protest encampments in Newcastle
- Shocking moment yob viciously attacks elderly man walking with wife
