Tom Hatten Death: Verified Status and Timeline
Tom Hatten died on March 16, 2019. He was an American television presenter and actor, best known for hosting The Popeye Show (later The Popeye and Thimble Theater Movie Festival) on KTLA in Los Angeles from 1956 to 1981. He also appeared in films such as The Fury (1978) and Without Warning (1980). This article clarifies the timeline, confirms the date of death, and summarizes his main professional milestones with factual context.
Confirmed Date and Place of Death
Reported Details and Public Records
Multiple sources, including obituaries and news reports from March 2019, confirm that Tom Hatten died on March 16, 2019. While some records may list location as Los Angeles, California, consistent documentation supports the March 16 date as the widely accepted time of death. No verified reports indicate otherwise.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | March 16, 2019 | Obituary and news reports |
| Age at Death | 92 | Published obituaries |
| Primary Location | Los Angeles, California, USA | Reputable news coverage |
Biographical Overview and Career Highlights
Key Roles and Programs
Tom Hatten was a host and actor best known for his television work in Los Angeles. He served as the host of The Popeye Show on KTLA, which later became The Popeye and Thimble Theater Movie Festival. His tenure on this children’s movie program spanned decades, establishing him as a familiar presence to Southern California viewers. In addition to hosting, he pursued acting in film and television.
- Television host on KTLA’s The Popeye Show (1956–1981)
- Film appearances in The Fury (1978) and Without Warning (1980)
- Recognition as a Southern California television staple
Notable Works and Filmography
Screen Credits and Memorable Roles
While Tom Hatten’s hosting role was his most visible work, he also built a modest filmography. His performances in The Fury and Without Warning remain among his noted credits. Below is a concise overview of select professional highlights that demonstrate the breadth of his career.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1956–1981 | Host of The Popeye Show on KTLA | Defined his public recognition in Southern California |
| 1978 | Released in The Fury | Feature film role alongside established actors |
| 1980 | Released in Without Warning | Further film credit demonstrating range |
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Long-Term Influence and Public Memory
Tom Hatten’s legacy is rooted in his long-running children’s movie program, which introduced multiple generations to classic films in a family-friendly format. His steady presence on KTLA made him a trusted local television figure. While he may not have achieved national stardom, his consistent work and approachable hosting style contributed to community viewing habits in Southern California.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Addressing Public Curiosity
- When did Tom Hatten die? He died on March 16, 2019.
- How old was he at death? He was 92 years old.
- What was he best known for? Hosting The Popeye Show on KTLA from 1956 to 1981.
- Did he appear in movies? Yes, he appeared in films such as The Fury (1978) and Without Warning (1980).
- Was he widely known outside Southern California? He was a recognizable local television figure, particularly in the Los Angeles area.
Summary and Factual Context
Tom Hatten died on March 16, 2019 at approximately 92 years of age. His career centered on hosting The Popeye Show on KTLA, a role that established him as a steady presence in Southern California television from the late 1950s through the early 1980s. Supporting work in film adds to his professional profile. The information above reflects verified records and publicly available reports to provide an accurate, enduring summary.