Tom Hatten of 'Popeye and Friends' and 'Hogan's Heroes' Fame Dies at 92
Former actor and KTLA host, Tom Hatten, passed away on Saturday. The television personality was 92 years old at the time of his passing.
Tom Hatten was a former actor, announcer, and KTLA host. The Los Angeles TV station revealed the beloved host passed away on Saturday. The star was 92 years old at the time.
The station revealed it had been informed of his passing from his longtime friend and former KTLA producer, Joe Quasarano.
Hatten joined the station in 1952 as an announcer. He went on to host the children’s show "Popeye and Friends" from 1976 to 1988. He also hosted KTLA’s Family Film Festival from 1978 to 1992.
The longtime broadcaster was also an entertainment editor at KNX 1070 News Radio from 1978 to 2007. Hatten also appeared on six episodes of "Gomer Pyle: USMC" in the 1960s.
KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin paid tribute to Hatten on Saturday in a heartfelt tweet. He wrote:
“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, Tom Hatten has died. He was 92 years old. On KTLA he hosted the ‘Family Film Festival.'”
Hatten is survived by his longtime partner, Pete Menifee, as well as several nieces and nephews.