Pat Hingle, born Martin Patterson Hingle, was a renowned American actor, best known for his iconic role as Commissioner Gordon in the "Batman" film series. His early life was marked by instability, as his parents divorced when he was just an infant, and his mother, a teacher, supported the family by traveling and working in various locations across the country. By the age of 13, Hingle had already lived in a dozen cities, an experience that would later influence his acting career.
As a child, Hingle made his acting debut in the third grade, playing a carrot in a school play, a role that didn't seem like a promising start to a long-term career. However, he continued to pursue his passion for acting, attending high school in Texas and later enrolling at the University of Texas, where he majored in advertising.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Hingle returned to the university and became involved with the drama department, an experience that ultimately led him to meet his future wife, Alyce. The couple moved to New York, where Hingle began to land stage and television roles. His most notable stage performance was in the title role of "J.B." by poet Archibald Macleish, a role that earned him a Tony Award nomination.
Tragedy struck when Hingle took a 54-foot fall down an elevator shaft in his New York apartment building, sustaining near-fatal injuries and losing the little finger of his left hand. He spent two weeks in a coma and over a year recovering from his ordeal. Despite this setback, Hingle continued to act, eventually landing the iconic role of Commissioner Gordon in the "Batman" film series.
In his later years, Hingle resided in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, with his wife, Julia, just prior to his passing.
