Actor Pat Hingle, who had a long and distinguished career in stage, TV and film, has died at his North Carolina home at age 84 after a battle with blood cancer. Hingle's first feature film was an uncredited bit role in
On the Waterfront. However, he soon became one of the most in-demand character actors. Despite looking like the neighbor next door (and bearing a resemblance to Andy Devine), Hingle had a commanding screen presence and very often was cast as a judge or government official. Hingle had landed the title role in Richard Brooks' classic 1960 screen adaptation of
Elmer Gantry but he suffered a nearly fatal fall down an elevator shaft. While he was recovering, Burt Lancaster took over the part and won an Oscar for his efforts. Nevertheless, Hingle appeared in many high profile films and worked three times with Clint Eastwood: on
Hang 'Em High, The Gauntlet and
Sudden Impact. He also played the role of Commissioner Gordon in several of the Batman movies in the 1980s and 1990s. His continued to work up until shortly before his death. For more
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